Lambert was excellent against Germany

He admitted he had made up his mind as to what his decision would be, but insisted that Berti Vogts would be the first to know.

The Celtic midfielder said he would take a holiday before discussing the matter with the Scotland manager, but his reluctance to announce his decision suggests that he will not play again for his country.

Vogts added that there would be no pressure on Lambert, who was immense on Saturday, to play on for Scotland.

"I've made up my mind, but the next person to know will be Berti," Lambert told BBC Scotland.

"Realistically we should beat the Faroes and Lithuania at home and if we can't get first, we should definitely get second," he added.

Lambert was coaxed out of international retirement by Vogts when the German took over from Craig Brown.

He agreed to come back to the international fold to help Scotland's bid to qualify for Euro 2004 and to lend his experience to the youngsters brought into the squad by Vogts.

But the agreement only stood until Saturday's game, and to lose Lambert would be a huge blow for Vogts and Scotland, particularly with a huge game coming up in September away to Germany, where his experience would be invaluable.

"He was outstanding," said the Scotland boss. "He is a great organiser and this was his best match in the past two or three years.

"We will speak after his holiday, but there will be no pressure."