Perhaps the mauling in Macedonia was no bad thing. George Burley not only survived the uncharitable bloodsport but showed a defiance and strength of character that was reflected in his team's rejuvenating win in Reykjavik.

Protectiveness toward an embattled manager was at the core of a dashing collective display. The persecution complex alone might be enough to sustain Scotland for the remainder of World Cup qualifying Group 9.

Burley could not be grudged the most satisfying result of his career. The vultures were hovering, awaiting the one fatal slip that would condemn him to a savaging. Quietly, diligently, he had already plotted the counter-offensive. In two competitive matches in charge, away from home at that, the manager has already shown a bravery - some might say naivete - that his predecessors dared not contemplate. It has exposed as myth the widely held belief that Scotland, in the early 21st century, had better content themselves with Tartanaccio.

We have been indoctrinated to believe we don't have the players to be entertaining or expansive, that workrate is a more admirable quality than imagination, and that the holding midfielder is the new No.10. Call a dog a cat for long enough and it will start to miaow.

This theory of negativity is gradually being unravelled by a manager determined to cement his credentials by actions more than words. Iceland are no world beaters but they possess a genuine world-class outfield player in Eidur Gudjohnsen. Scotland have Kirk Broadfoot; a player who is being driven to unimaginable heights by the fuel of ridicule.

It was Broadfoot and not Gudjohnsen who would depart the Laugardalsvollur stadium with a lifetime's worth of memories crammed into 90 minutes. Others earned their spurs, too. Kris Commons makes up in heart what he lacks in height. Barry Robson, who perhaps feared for his midfield place in the search for Skopje scapegoats, is now unquestionably the form midfielder in the country.

"We've shown everyone there is great togetherness in the squad,"

said Robson. "We know that we have to qualify for the World Cup. Everyone is in this together. We're here for Scotland and we all want the same thing."

It is fashionable to be a Scottish international footballer again. Next up is Norway, at Hampden Park on October 11. Watch how the minor muscle injuries and late call-offs that have hampered Burley's plans suddenly disappear.

What will he have in store for us this time? More of the same, please.

Scotland must follow up with a home win against Norway to stand a chance of qualifying. Burley will be buoyed by the return of Alan Hutton and possibly even Barry Ferguson. He will be more encouraged by the responsiveness of the small group of players from which he embroidered an uplifting tactical tapestry.

Gary Naysmith has been around so long it is hard to believe he is under 40, never mind 30. His career has been blighted by injury but the Sheffield United man produced a vintage performance. The full-backs were essential to Burley's plan to press Iceland back and enabled Commons and Shaun Maloney to thrive in support of James McFadden.

"The shape of the team worked well for us," said Naysmith. "I felt both wingers did well and they certainly gave us a great out every time we had the ball.

"I can certainly say that Shaun was a great help to me on the left flank. He worked tremendously hard when we didn't have the ball to get back and help us out defensively. As a full-back, you definitely notice these things."

Scotland have unfinished business with Norway at Hampden Park. A Steffen Iversen penalty, after James McFadden played goalkeeper on the line, condemned Berti Vogts to another unsightly defeat in 2004. Russell Anderson and Andy Webster were his centre-backs of choice, Gary Holt and Richard Hughes his central midfielders, and Paul Dickov his centre-forward. These were hardly Scotland's salad days.

Kenny Miller atoned in Oslo under new management a year later but after his surprise exclusion in Reykjavik, until Burley closed out a fraught finale, he has work to do to re-establish himself.

If Scotland can reach six points from the opening nine, it will make the trip to Amsterdam next March less arduous.

While Scotland swarmed around the Icelandic defence, Craig Brown was busy relaying tales of Macedonian misfortune against Holland. Euro 2008 exhibited Holland's awesome artillery but they were cursed by defensive deficiency. They will drop points along the way, hopefully against Burley's brigade.

More immediately, he must decide on the best replacement for Stephen McManus, who is suspended for the visit of Norway. David Weir is the obvious choice but Broadfoot's first impression at international level makes a compelling case.

Encouragingly, Darren Fletcher owes Scotland a performance. He has played poorly by his standards in Scotland's last two games and Manchester United players are simply not permitted any lingering toil. Scott Brown improved immeasurably on his Macedonian output with a mature and disciplined display.

Suddenly, the gloom has lifted and confidence is restored. Burley has his faults but, commendably, bowing to popular opinion is not one of them. Even his most outspoken critics might just be starting to warm to him, judging by the outpouring of positivity.