 Alex McLeish is hoping for a strong Scotland performance in Bari |
Alex McLeish was thrilled by Scotland's 2-1 victory over Georgia in his first match in charge, but sounded a cautious note ahead of the game away to Italy. "We have to keep our feet on the ground, and I've told the players that," he said, after Craig Beattie's 88th-minute goal clinched the win.
"It's different being the manager of the Scotland team - that was one of the greatest feelings of my life.
"I've just learnt the spirit of this team is alive and kicking," he said.
Celtic striker Beattie repaid the faith the former Rangers boss had in him when he came to the Scots' rescue.
"We know we had people of Craig's ilk on the bench with his good pace," said McLeish.
"He's been a good player for Celtic this season, he impressed me in the (Scotland) B game, he's a willing runner and he's got pace."
 | We've got a really difficult one in Bari now, and if we take something from that one we're in a magnificent position |
However Scotland will be up against it when they travel to Bari to face the World Champions, particularly after an unimpressive performance against Klaus Toppmoller's side.
"We've got to take each game as it comes," he added.
"We've got a really difficult one in Bari now, and if we take something from that one we're in a magnificent position.
"Right now there are too many games to go to be presumptuous about anything."
And, speaking of the reception he received from the Hampden Park crowd, he explained: "It was quite a day.
"I was really excited by the welcome from the fans when we came out of the tunnel. It was like a cup final.
"With the change of management you always worry because the fans had such a great rapport and relationship with Walter Smith which isn't going to be the same.
"I'm pleased overall this week.
"The response to me Andy Watson and Roy Aitken coming in has been magnificent."
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Interview: Scotland boss Alex McLeish