Strachan factor raising Scotland's spirits

Third in UEFA EURO 2016 Group D, level on points with world champions Germany and the Republic of Ireland, Scotland's spirits are soaring as they meet Gibraltar in their next qualifier in Glasgow on Sunday.

The arrival of boss Gordon Strachan in 2013 has brought fresh optimism to the squad, with a 2-1 defeat in Germany in their opening game hardly dampening the mood. Scotland went on to beat Georgia and Ireland at home, either side of a 2-2 draw with section leaders Poland in Warsaw. For captain Scott Brown – who played under Strachan at Celtic FC – the manager's spirit has infected the team.

"He just loves football," he told UEFA.com. "Whenever we're away, he is up bright and early, looking forward to training. And I think he brings it out in everybody. Sometimes it's raining and it's windy, and he's always got a wee smile on his face and looking forward to it. It helps the lads."

Scotland captain Scott Brown©Sportsfile

Midfielder Darren Fletcher, meanwhile, is pleased Strachan is encouraging the players to show their skills as well as defending their corner. "Scotland maybe have a reputation of being hard to beat and resilient and tough and strong," he told UEFA.com. "I think our on-the-ball strengths have come to light in this campaign, which is a real positive."

Strachan himself is not quite sure what he brings to the squad – nor is he particularly curious to find out. "I have no idea," the 58-year-old former Aberdeen FC, Manchester United FC and Leeds United AFC midfielder told UEFA.com. "I am not going to analyse myself now." His main concern is getting Scotland into a position to play at UEFA EURO 2016.

Scotland have not contested a major finals since the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France – and the current crop would love to end what would be an 18-year wait. "At France '98 I was 13 so I can remember it," midfielder Brown said. "I remember how much of an atmosphere, how much of a buzz there was about the whole country."

Now at West Bromwich Albion FC, Fletcher won various honours with Manchester United, yet the 31-year-old still dreams of tasting the international tournament experience. "Everyone connected with the country deserves it," he said. "They've supported us loyally over the years, they're still turning up in their thousands all over the world. So maybe it would be nice to give a little bit back to them. But selfishly, individually, you're still looking to it as one of those things you want to achieve in your career."

Strachan, for his part, is certain Scotland – and their fans – would grace any big championship. "I've been to so many finals recently through my television work and it's definitely something missing for Scottish fans," said the ex-Coventry City FC, Southampton FC and Middlesbrough FC trainer. "I know they could have added to the occasions everywhere I went. And I know people in the footballing world are desperate for Scotland to get there."

Darren Fletcher speaking to UEFA.com©UEFA.com