McFadden's thunderous effort gave Scotland victory France 0-1 Scotland Match coverage complaints

Business leaders said the feel-good factor in the wake of James McFadden's winning wonder goal would boost the Scottish economy.

Tartan Army foot soldiers hailed the result as one of Scotland's best ever.

While even the French were left with no option but to praise the magnifique Scottish performance.

Iain Ferguson from employers organisation CBI Scotland said fears that hung-over employees would fail to make it into work after a night of celebrations had not materialised.

International attention

He added: "There is a huge feel-good factor across Scotland right now.

"It would appear that everyone is on such a high that they couldn't wait to get into work and talk about the match with their friends and colleagues around the water cooler.

"When workers feel good and happy they tend to be more productive, which is good news for employers."

The Tartan Army return to Scotland after a historic night in the Parc de Princes, Paris In pictures

Mr Ferguson said Scotland's success could also provide a financial boost for publicans and retailers, while the international attention focused on the team and its fans would benefit the tourist industry.

He added: "It is no secret that the Tartan Army carry a huge reputation for friendliness. They do act as ambassadors for the country and have done for many years.

"Victories like the one over France do raise the profile of the Scotland and put in foreigners' minds that Scotland is a place that they might like to visit."

William Rafferty, assistant manager of the JJB Sports store in Aberdeen, confirmed that fans had been flocking to buy replica strips to show their support for the team.

"There has been a big increase in sales of replica Scotland shirts since Walter Smith took over as team manager," he said.

It must be one of the best results ever, up there with beating England in 1967 Iain McGregor Scotland fan

"That has only increased with the fantastic results under Alex McLeish. Sales have been particularly strong in the last week and even more so on the morning after the victory over France.

"Most people ask if they can have James McFadden's name on the back of their shirt."

Bookmakers William Hill said they would be paying out hundreds of thousands of pounds to patriotic punters who put their money where their mouths were by betting on a Scotland victory.

Among them was an English-based gambler who walked off with �9,000 after staking �1,000 on a Scotland victory, while a Glasgow man won �4,500 on a �500 stake.

'Greater respect'

Tony Boyeldieu of the French-owned 1901 Bar and Bistro in Glasgow's Pollokshaws Road said the result had left his home country in a state of shock.

He said: "When Scotland beat France at Hampden last year most of us thought it was a fluke, to be honest.

"But watching them repeat the victory on French soil has given us all a much greater respect for the Scottish team.

"My family has been in Scotland for 12 years and we are delighted to see its football team doing so well. We just hope that both Scotland and France qualify for the finals."

Bleary-eyed members of the Tartan Army returning to Glasgow Airport were still on a high after the unexpected triumph.

Iain McGregor, 30, from Ayr, summed up the mood when he said: "It was superb, I was in the French end and it was bouncing.

"I thought the best we could get was a point. It must be one of the best results ever, up there with beating England in 1967."