Alex McLeish will be keeping a close eye on the Old Firm in Europe

Celtic and Rangers are in Champions League action in midweek, with key Scotland players likely to feature for both Glasgow clubs.

As he prepares for Scotland's Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy on 17 November, McLeish said an injury-free spell for all concerned would be a bonus.

"Hopefully all the players will come through unscathed," said McLeish.

McLeish also insisted that the Italy match is not in his thoughts, for now.

"My mind hasn't drifted that far yet," said McLeish.

If you leave Boyd round and about the box with the ball you're going to get punished. Alex McLeish

"I'm concentrating on what's to come between now and then."

McLeish will name his squad to face the Italians on Thursday, with victory at Hampden guaranteeing Scotland a place in next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland.

A draw would leave the national side requiring a victory for Ukraine against France on 21 November.

The Scottish Premier League agreed to postpone league matches scheduled for next weekend involving Rangers and Celtic to aid his preparations for the match.

However, matches involving the remaining SPL clubs will be played as scheduled, with several key players in action over the weekend.

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McLeish was also keen to highlight the success of the Scotland team to date - and singled out the return to form for Rangers striker Kris Boyd.

Boyd netted the opening goal for his club in just 34 seconds as the Ibrox side defeated Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2-0.

He also found the net against Motherwell in the CIS Insurance Cup on Wednesday.

"If you leave Boyd round and about the box with the ball, you're going to get punished," added McLeish.