The Rangers boss is credited with starting the revolution which now sees the national team within touching distance of next summer's Euro 2008 finals despite facing competition from France and Italy to qualify from the group.

He handed over the reigns to Alex McLeish upon his return to Ibrox in January and McLeish has more than lived up to his predecessor by guiding Scotland to last month's famous victory in Paris which took them to the top of Group B.

If Scotland qualify for Euro 2008 they are set to be in the group of four third seeds - their UEFA co-efficient places them 10th.

In the 2010 qualifying competition, Scotland, currently ranked 14th in the world by FIFA, would be among the nine second seeds.

"It will be a tremendous benefit to Scotland," said Smith. "But the biggest benefit for the country is that Scotland have been getting great results.

"When it comes to the seedings, if Scotland can get into the second pot in any of these draws, it makes a huge difference.

"In the current situation [for Euro 2008 qualifying], Italy were in the second pot, Ukraine were in the third pot and Scotland were in the fourth pot so if you get into the second pot it saves you drawing a country like Italy which obviously enhances your opportunity to progress.

"It's also a tremendous achievement that Scotland are in the top 20."