James Morrison, the 28-year-old West Bromwich Albion player, says a new epoch of belief means the time could be right for Scotland to qualify for the finals of a major tournament for the first time since 1998.

"It is the worst start [playing Germany] we could have had but, on the other hand, it is probably the best time to play them, coming off a [World Cup] victory that they probably celebrated for two weeks solid. I am very excited. It is our best opportunity [to qualify] for as long as I have been involved.

"We've a good, strong group and in the past we've done well against big teams. With the year we've had, it is our best chance of qualifying, no question, and I think that we are all excited for the challenge ahead."