A Look at Scotland's Run for the World Cup

Ali Hannah on Walter Smith's scrappy team

It would probably be stretching the truth to say that Scotland have done enough to give themselves a chance of snatching a play-off place for next summer's World Cup Finals, but under Walter Smith the national side have at least given their fans something to shout about.

Under Berti Vogts Scotland lurched from one embarrassment to another but the arrival of Smith has offered encouraging signs that the side are moving in the right direction.

A proud country with a decent history of qualifying for the major international tournaments, Scotland have now come to a point where critics have pondered whether they will ever be seen on such a stage again. Last represented at France 98 when they hosted Brazil on the opening day it has been seven years since Scotland were last sighted at a landmark event.

The draw with Italy at Hampden last month followed by a comfortable 2-0 win over Norway in Oslo has, however, afforded a glimmer of hope. In truth, Smith's side must not only beat Belarus and Slovenia and also cross their fingers that other results go their win and the bulk of the damage to their qualification hopes was done in the early stages of the group matches.

In recent years there has been a dearth of genuine quality in the Scotland side, but the partnership of Darren Fletcher and Barry Ferguson in midfield has given the side a spark they often lack. Used to bossing the game for his Rangers side, Ferguson can operate defensively but is also cute enough to see the opportunities a quick pass can open up while Fletcher has learned his trade at Old Trafford.

The Edinburgh-born midfielder has had to grow up quickly and was given responsibilities at international level before he was handed them at club level, such was the desperation of Scotland at the time. He has been impressive of late and is club form too has pleased Smith.

The fact that Hearts have surprised everyone this season in the SPL has also been reflected in the international side with four Tynecastle players expected to be given a starting slot this weekend. In Paul Hartley, a player whom Celtic tried to sign last January, they have an energetic and enthusiastic attacking midfielder who is finally blossoming.

At 28 Hartley is a late developer but making up for lost time now. He supplied the cross that led to the goal against Italy at Hampden and his contribution has been superb in his last two Scotland games. Smith will be relying on his energy and guile to break down the resolute defence of Belarus and Slovenia in these crucial double headers.

Craig Gordon and David Marshall were neck-in-neck for the goalkeeper's gloves this time last year but it is Gordon who has triumphed. Out of favour at Celtic because of the form of Artur Boruc, Marshall has had to be content with a place on the bench for the Hoops. He recently intimated that he would be keen to go out on loan when the transfer window reopens in January but even so it would be difficult to envisage the 20-year-old usurping Gordon from the Scotland side.

Gordon has been in inspiring form for Hearts this season and has also grown in stature as the Scotland number one. At just 21, he too is still learning his trade but having made 99 consecutive appearances for his club side he has at least had the chance to learn from his mistakes and develop his game.

Kenny Miller could be the jewel in Smith's crown this week. The Wolves forward has scored three goals in his last two internationals and that form will be vital if Scotland are to hang onto their dream of making it to Germany. The striker came in for some hefty criticism when he scorned a decent chance in the San Siro when Scotland travelled to Italy but one-to-one coaching sessions at club level with Glenn Hoddle appears to have benefitted him enormously.

Whether it counts for a crucial double header remains to be seen.