Darren Fletcher (left) scored the winning goal for Scotland

The teenager made a dream Hampden Park debut when he came on as a substitute midway through the second half and scored after 70 minutes.

The 1-0 victory was enough to clinch Scotland's place in the play-offs and Fletcher was delighted to have sparked celebrations among the Tartan Army.

"Bring on the big guns. I fancy our chances against anyone and beating them at Hampden," said a jubilant Fletcher.

"The fans were different class," he said. "There was a bit of anxiety, but they encouraged us going forward.

Whoever picked the man-of-the-match must have been on the champagne before it James McFadden

"It was just party mode among the fans after we scored, but we knew we still had a job to do."

Fletcher, who has managed just 377 minutes of first-team football for Manchester United, was now looking forward to cementing his place in the Scotland side against whoever they are drawn against on Monday.

Yet, until Fletcher's intervention, it looked destined to be yet another case of so close yet so far for Scotland.

Man-of-the-match James McFadden had been his side's main threat until then with some exciting pieces of wing play.

However, Everton's recent signing from Motherwell insisted: "I would not say that it was one of my better performances.

"Whoever picked the man of the match must have been on the champagne before it.

James McFadden (right) was Scotland's man of the match

"I would not have had any complaints if Darren had won the award.

"He was the most important player on the park as his introduction changed the game and he scored the goal."

Scotland manager Berti Vogts praised his whole side as they finished runners-up to Germany in Group 5.

"It wasn't easy," he said. "There was a lot of pressure on the players, but they did it.

"After the Faroes draw a year ago, it was not easy to come back, but now we have finished in second place and we are looking forward to the draw on Monday."

However, the coach could not also help enthusing about his emerging young talent and added: "James McFadden was outstanding today and Darren Fletcher scored the winner. That is great for the Scottish future."