Scotland will be among the third seeds when the draw for Euro 2012 qualifying is made in February.
The Scots have fallen down the rankings after a dismal showing in the race to reach next year's World Cup and are now rated the 26th best side in Europe.
Northern Ireland are also seeded third and like Scotland could face top seeds England and/or fourth seeds Wales.
Scotland were humbled 3-0 in Cardiff last weekend, a result that led to the sacking of manager George Burley.
The Scottish FA say they hope to have a new national coach in place before February's draw takes place in Warsaw, with Poland and Ukraine due to co-host the 2012 tournament.
Republic of Ireland are alongside Scotland and Northern Ireland in pot three after missing out on World Cup qualification in France on Wednesday.
Ranking to be used for the Uefa Euro 2012 qualifying draw:
POT ONE:
Spain Germany Netherlands Italy England Croatia Portugal France Russia
POT TWO:
Greece Czech Republic Sweden Switzerland Serbia Turkey Denmark Slovakia Romania
POT THREE:
Israel Bulgaria Finland Norway Republic of Ireland Scotland Northern Ireland Austria Bosnia-Herzegovina
POT FOUR:
Slovenia Latvia Hungary Lithuania Belarus Belgium Wales F.Y.R. Macedonia Cyprus
POT FIVE:
Montenegro Albania Estonia Georgia Moldova Iceland Armenia Kazakhstan Liechtenstein
POT SIX:
Azerbaijan Luxembourg Malta Faroe Islands Andorra San Marino
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