As the experienced midfielder defended his international teammates from criticism by Scotland coach Berti Vogts, he stressed that he would not hang about if things continue to go badly.

Lambert came out of international retirement to help Vogts reshape the Scotland team.

But after Vogts was critical of Lambert and Rangers' Barry Ferguson, as well as Aberdeen's Kevin McNaughton, following last week's 1-0 defeat by Denmark, the Celtic star made his position clear.

"But if we lose the first two games, and qualification is not possible then I'll be finished. That was the agreement with the manager. We must win them.

"If we've no chance to qualify then I've given it my best and the manager knows that.

"It wasn't for my benefit that I came back, it was for the benefit of the youngsters. If qualification won't be possible then it'll be time to let them go their own way and see what happens."

While Vogts' comments about the performance of individual players after the Denmark defeat have been blown out of all proportion, Lambert was concerned that the young players' confidence would be affected by such comments.

He also described criticism of Barry Ferguson as "incredible".

"You have to remember that you can't build up young kids then knock them down because you'll hurt them," he added.

"They're the ones people are relying on to take them through to a major championship.

"By all accounts Barry Ferguson also got criticism but take him out of the team and you're left without anyone with the authority to take the ball and try and make things happen.

"Players are big enough to handle criticism but you've got to keep the young kids on a high. There's no point in knocking them and then they go to the Faroes in their shell."

The Scotland squad regroups on Monday ahead of the opening Euro 2004 qualifier against the Faroe Islands.