WALTER SMITH today heaped praise on his Scotland successor, Alex McLeish.

The nation is basking in the glory of the stunning 1-0 win by McLeish's men in France.

Rangers boss Smith was the man who initially transformed our national team's fortunes, and breathed life into the seemingly impossible Euro 2008 dream.

Smith guided Scotland to three wins from four matches - including the sensational 1-0 victory over the French at Hampden last October - before returning to Ibrox in January.

Since McLeish took up the baton, he has led Scotland to four wins from five games, and to the top of Group B with three games left in the battle for a place at the finals in Austria and Switzerland next summer. Like every other fan, Smith was glued to the TV the other night and celebrated as the team he once managed produced what is being argued as Scotland's finest-ever result.

And the Gers boss said today: "It was a terrific win. It was one of those very special nights and we should make the most of it.

"It was great watching on TV and I thought Scotland were excellent. The whole team was terrific. The manager, and his players, deserve all the accolades that are coming their way.

"It was a tremendous goal from James McFadden, and everyone who was over there - and everyone back here - enjoyed it to the full.

"I know what it's like to be Scotland manager. I had a very enjoyable time when I was there.

"Alex has carried that on, and he is doing brilliantly. No-one can say anything other than that.

"It was a superb result. Remember we are really punching above our weight in what is an extremely difficult section.

"Everyone is thrilled at the results, and we all hope the team can now go on and qualify, even though they face three very tough games."

Smith saw the smiles on the faces of his six Scotland players when they returned to Murray Park yesterday, and admitted the French players in the squad had enjoyed an uncomfortable day!

"There were a lot of happy faces," he smiled. "We have a number of foreign players, so the Scotland lads had the bragging rights.

"It was a tremendous result and I think everyone in the country was absolutely delighted.

"When we saw the draw at the start of the campaign I thought 18 points would be great.

"Anything beyond that I felt would be miraculous. But look where we are now, with 21 and three games to come. It's astonishing."