Wednesday 6 September 2017 15:43, UK
Gordon Strachan is the man to take Scotland forward long-term, even if they don't qualify for next year's World Cup, according to former defender Dominic Matteo.
Monday's 2-0 victory over Malta kept Scotland in the running for a play-off place with two matches to go in qualifying, after they were seemingly out of contention earlier in the campaign.
"It looks like there's a good vibe throughout the squad. I think Gordon Strachan's doing a good job," said Matteo, who won six caps for Scotland.
"It's maybe taken him a little bit of time to get to where he wants, but I think it was a good move bringing so many Celtic players into the squad, as they know how to win.
"Gordon is a winner, he knows how to win. He's been to major competitions before so I think his experience will be vital [in the games to come]. I think the Scottish FA has done well in giving him a bit more time. Some people were calling for his head.
"He knows what he wants. He's now getting the best out of his players. It's taken them a while to get there but give him some time. Even if we don't qualify I still think Gordon needs more time.
"He's getting the squad into a good position, where we are challenging to get into tournaments. And that's where we want to be as a country. It's been too long since we have been to a tournament; Gordon knows that better than anyone. He's a leader, and a winner. So stick with Gordon and I think we'll be okay."
The 1998 World Cup in France was the last time Scotland's men reached a major tournament, but they now control their own destiny in Group F.
Wins against second-placed Slovakia and then third-placed Slovenia in October would guarantee Strachan's side the runners-up position in the group and, with it, a likely play-off berth.
"There's no reason why we can't finish second," added Matteo. "It will be a fantastic atmosphere at Hampden in the first game, and then there's the away game to finish off. If we can get the result at Hampden the Tartan Army will be travelling!
"There will be a lot of them going over and it's something to look forward to, but we're still in with a shout which counts for me.
"Scotland haven't been in this position for a while where they've been in with a chance of qualifying. It's been far too long and the fans have been starved of it, so now get behind them, give the lads every chance and I'm sure Gordon Strachan will be telling the players to keep calm.
"You look on the bench last night and people like Snodgrass and Morrison are there; they've got good quality now. The squad is looking better, they're playing better football and they probably should have had a few more goals on Monday night."
