Ferguson has been impressed by Scotland's recent form

When asked if the Scots could beat world champions Italy at Hampden on Saturday, the Manchester United manager said: "Yes they can, definitely.

"Alex has done a fantastic job for Scotland. Walter Smith started it of course but Alex has carried on the mantle very well.

"Now Scotland have a great chance of qualifying for the finals."

Ferguson, who managed Scotland on an interim basis at the 1986 World Cup finals, had McLeish playing for him during his days at Aberdeen.

Ferguson, now in his 22nd year at Old Trafford, created a young, hungry and successful team at Pittodrie.

And he is impressed by the current crop of Scots in the national team.

"A few players have emerged over the past year and done well," said Ferguson.

"You look at the likes of Scott Brown and Darren Fletcher.

"Barry Ferguson is in the best form of his life, Lee McCulloch is doing a great job and Craig Gordon has been fantastic."

MY SPORT: DEBATE I'm 90% sure it will be a draw. If we score Italy will go nuts on the attack paulpaul17

Willie Miller partnered McLeish in central defence at Aberdeen and the pair starred together at international level.

Their finest hour as players came when they beat Real Madrid to lift the European Cup Winners' Cup for Ferguson in 1983.

And Miller has every faith in his old friend building on two wins over France to see off Italy.

"Confidence is important, there is no doubt about that, momentum, getting results," said Aberdeen's director of football.

"We had that when we won the Cup Winners' Cup. We had a huge result against Bayern Munich, who were probably the best team in Europe at that time.

Miller (left) played together with McLeish for Scotland

"And what Scotland did against the French has got to have that effect on the team, it has got to give them confidence.

"I think that's what Alex will be reminding his players - that if you are capable of beating the French twice then you are capable of beating the Italians as well."

McLeish played at three World Cups for Scotland and his squad-mate from 1982, John Wark, has also been impressed by his country's recent achievements.

"Scotland, have done magnificently," said the former Ipswich and Liverpool star.

"Sure, they've got to beat Italy to make the finals and that certainly is never going to be easy.

"But the fact they have got this far is itself really something special.

"Who would have thought it would end like this after being drawn in a group containing France, Italy and Ukraine?

"The Scots have come from nowhere to achieve all this because when Berti Vogts was in charge, things were really at a low ebb internationally.

"But Walter Smith sorted it out when he took over and big Alex McLeish has taken it on even further after Walter decided to go back to Rangers.

"With the results they've had I think they deserve to get to the finals."