The Rangers boss is credited with starting the revolution which now sees the 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 reins to Alex McLeish upon his return to Ibrox in January, and if Scotland qualify for Euro 2008 they are set to be in the group of four third seeds.

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."