Although Walter Smith’s Scotland stood no chance of qualifying for next years World Cup, the outcome of their match was still of great importance to their opponents Slovenia, who could have qualified as group runners up.

Nigel Quashie was the weapon that Smith wanted to launch against the Slovenian defence. Things couldn’t have started better for Scotland as they swept into an early lead courtesey of Darren Fletcher, David Weir could have added to the score on the 22nd minute, but planted his free header wide of the mark. Slovenia did their best to get themselves back into the game, but the Scottish defence, was superbly marshalled by Christain Dailly.

Dailly, who had a point to prove following his inadvertent assist in his teams defeat against Belarus, dealt with everything the Slovenians could throw at them. The first half played itself out with attack and counter attack in what was a very attractive match to watch.

The second half began in an exceptional way, as James Mc Fadden rifled in a superb shot after 1min 43Secs, the stunned Slovenians helpless to deal with Scotland’s early pressure. The anticipated siege of Scotland’s goal never really took place, with the home team increasingly subject to booing from their own crowd, the ‘Brave Hearts’ stood firm, and indeed, looked most likely to add to their two goals on the counter attack.

Now, as any manager would admit, especially in the International arena, there comes a time when, especially if your team is 2-0 to the good away from home, that you have to decide to ‘shut up shop’, and with ten minutes remaining, that is exactly what Walter Smith did, and although his team were always willing to run forward, urged on by an as ever impeccably well behaved ‘Tartan Army’, the message was clear from the coach, job done, a bit of pride restored, bring on the Euro’s!!!

But there was still a sting in the tail, Paul Hartley chipped in an impeccable goal from the edge of the box with five minutes remaining, to confirm that Scotland were back, and maybe the renaissance that suffered a hiccup against Belarus, will continue under ‘the renaissance man’ of Scottish football Walter Smith! Blimey, Alexander nearly made it 4-0 in the dying minutes.

Why the hell didn’t they play like this earlier on in their campaign? Their fans will ask!

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