New manager Walter Smith has set out his manifesto for restoring the fortunes of the national side.
Speaking at his unveling as the successor to Bertie Vogts, Smith declared that he would foster team spirit in an attempt to compensate the dearth of talent currently available in Scotland.
“Scotland may not have the individual talent that we used to have,” Smith told reporters on Thursday after agreeing a four-year deal with the national team.
“But I still think there are a lot of good players in the set up and a lot who would respond well to being involved in a more solid team.
“If you can get a togetherness in the group then you can have a lot that respond well and then you can achieve success.”
The former Rangers and Everton manager and Dundee United coach added: “When I first went to Dundee United you would not have said there were any terrific individuals.
“But Jim McLean as manager fostered a really tight formation and good togetherness in the group and went on to be successful.”
Scotland lie a sorry fifth in their six-team World Cup qualifying group with only two points from their first three games, a start that prompted his predecessor Berti Vogts to quit a month ago.
Smith’s first game is a trip to Italy in March is Scotland’s next World Cup qualifier, but despite a disappointing start to their campaign, Smith has not given up hope of reaching the 2006 finals.
“The worst aspect is taking just one point from the two home games, that has been a disappointing factor,” he said.
“Any team that is going to qualify has to take major benefit from their home matches so it will be an awkward one.
“They (Italy) are obviously the favourites but if there are going to be upsets and Italy lose one or two then the opportunities are there if you can get yourself on a run again.”
Smith also hinted at the return to the national team of
Smith also hinted that he might consider a recall for any Scotland players in self-imposed exile such as his ex-Rangers striker Duncan Ferguson, now at Everton.
Smith said: “I don’t know the reasons why some have said that (that they won’t play) and if someone can tell me, including the players themselves, then I will have a better idea of how to deal with that.”
