McLeish was manager of Scotland for 10 matches in 2007

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish believes that the national side can get back to winning ways, despite this week's poor showing by clubs in Europe.

Celtic, Motherwell and Dundee United all exited the Europa League, leaving McLeish's former club, Rangers, as the only team left in European competition.

"These things go in cycles," said McLeish. "Let's hope Craig Levein can do a job with the national team.

"We're a small country trying to get into a cycle where we get success."

The Scotland national side have not qualified for an international tournament since the World Cup in France 98 and the poor performances of clubs in Europe over the last three seasons will have a detrimental effect on the country's Uefa co-efficient.

We're a small country trying to get into a cycle where we get success Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish

Levein's Scotland squad will open their European Championship qualifying campaign away to Lithuania on Friday in Kaunas, in what will be the first competitive match under the new manager after losing 3-0 in a recent friendly against Sweden.

Meanwhile, Rangers will fly a solitary flag for Scotland in this season's Champions League group stages, but the Birmingham City manager remains positive about the country's hopes for a recovery, both at club and national level.

"If we make some in-roads there, if Walter can improve on last year's Champions League showing, it'll say that we're making strides forward," said McLeish.

"But to lose the guys so early - like Motherwell, who had done so well to get to this stage - is a problem.

"The competition is so intense, when you think of the other clubs that have gone out from more illustrious countries, it's not just a Scottish problem, we're just not strong enough at the moment.

"We do have good players, but overall, we're still a bit behind.

"We've just got to keep hoping the players come through."

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