McLeish was relieved to escape the hazards of Toftir with a win

"It was a great win - we said it would be an awkward game and so it proved," the Scotland manager told BBC Sport.

"We played the first half really well with the tactics splendidly executed.

"I thought the Faroes were great in the second half, giving us a few problems - their players have worked extremely hard all season."

Interview: Scotland manager Alex McLeish

Interview: Scotland captain Barry Ferguson

Shaun Maloney put Scotland ahead before Garry O'Connor made it two in a first half which the visitors dominated, before the Faroes' second half revival.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Your thoughts on Scotland's win

Italy, France and Ukraine are all rivalling Scotland for a top-two finish.

And McLeish added: "We've got to believe. It's for other people to make judgement on that.

"The proof of the pudding will be at the end of the competition."

A downside for the Scots leaving Toftir was the booking for captain Barry Ferguson.

The Rangers midfielder - a survivor of the dismal 2-2 draw in the Faroes in 2002 - will now be suspended for the match against Lithuania in September after receiving another booking, for a foul on Mikkjal Thomassen.

"I felt it was a bit of a harsh decision," offered McLeish.

"The referee delayed his decision for a while before he gave him the yellow card.

"I thought at first the player was play-acting, but I'd have to see it."

Ferguson, meanwhile, was disappointed with the caution but knows Scotland have a solid base of players to compensate.

Everybody is determined to make these championships and we've got every chance Scotland captain Barry Ferguson

"I'm disappointed to miss the next game but we've got a big enough squad to cope with that," he said.

"Our main aim was to come here and get three points - all that matters is the win.

"The Faroes are a good team now, and an organised unit.

"Many teams have come here and struggled so we're happy to get the three points."

The continuity under the new McLeish regime was also warmly welcomed by Ferguson.

"There's a confidence about the squad now," he added.

"The desire and commitment has remained in the squad (since Walter Smith's departure).

"Everybody is determined to make these championships and we've got every chance."