Boyd had endured a difficult start to the campaign and was roundly criticised for his profligacy in front of goal in the opening matches of the season before answering his critics by breaking his duck in last week's 7-2 win over Falkirk.

And any lingering doubts about a crisis of confidence were banished last night when he came off the bench to grab the winner in Aberdeen after just three minutes on the pitch.

McLeish - who brought Boyd to Rangers in January 2006 - is well aware the striker has suffered his fair share of criticism but insisted: "We have seen similar strikers throughout history, players like Coisty and Tony Cottee.

"People were always looking for something more, something extra. But these guys will put the ball in the back of the net and players like that are few and far between.

"I had hoped the substitutes would make an impact and Boyd more than did that. It was a great goal."

Boyd's goal tally for Scotland has been impressive and McLeish added: "Six goals in 10 games is a great record and the competition is intensifying for front places.

"We said last year that we didn't have an out-and-out goalscorer but Kenny Miller has scored a few, Craig Beattie looked bright and Boyd came up trumps again."

Derby's Jay McEveley and Dundee United skipper Barry Robson both made their international debuts, while Alan Hutton of Rangers earned his first start for Scotland.

McLeish said: "Jay McEveley didn't do himself any harm and Barry Robson never looked fazed. I also thought Alan Hutton was excellent. I think we can take a lot from tonight's game."