Scotland boss Alex McLeish admits their Euro2008 qualifying hopes is in their hands ahead of their clash in Georgia.

"This team used to have to prove people wrong, now they are having to prove people right," he said. "It is in our hands, but the Italians and French also have it in their own hands. If you think we should finish above those two, then yes, we can only throw it away. It's a challenge for us, but I don't think we are in the strongest position, especially with the injuries and suspensions we picked up on Saturday.

"It will be very hard for us to take now if we don't qualify, but in saying that we are still neck and neck with the top two teams in the world. The smart money will still be on the Italians and French qualifying. But we can do this. It is our intention to do it.

"I've never been involved in as hard a group as this in my whole career. It's a credit to these players that they are in this position with two games to go. There is a maturity there and with every good result and performance they produce, their self-belief is reinforced further."