Hampden roars approval after win

By Thomas McGuigan

Kris Boyd helped Group B leaders Scotland to victory over Georgia

History hasn't been kind to Scotland managers making their competitive debuts.

Of the last seven bosses, only Jock Stein and Craig Brown tasted victory on these occasions.

So Alex McLeish would have been forgiven for taking his seat at Hampden for the Georgia game with some trepidation.

Scotland fans, all 50,080 of them, had packed the national stadium on a gorgeous March afternoon - hardly a cloud in the sky - almost kilt-wearing weather.

The previous Euro 2008 qualifier at Hampden had been a pulsating and nerve-shredding 1-0 victory over France.

MYSPORT ON 606: DEBATE We're in a great position just now, and we're (rightly!) enjoying every minute of it. Byrney

That result surprised even the most optimistic Tartan Army foot soldier.

But this time around, the Scots were expected to beat Georgia - and the tag of favourites rarely sits well on Scottish shoulders.

Nevertheless, the opening period was a dream.

A sumptuous cross from the boot of Gary Teale fell from the clear blue sky onto the head of Kris Boyd and his 11th-minute goal triggered a saltire and Lion Rampant carnival in the stands.

But a sitter of a miss by Teale later in the first half and a spurned chance at the feet of Kenny Miller, saw Hampden fall silent in a blanket of nervous tension.

A minute later, and former Rangers player Shota Arveladze headed home the equaliser from a Demetradze cross.

Alex McLeish is pointing Scotland towards the Euro 2008 finals

From a position of strength, the Scots had surrendered the lead just before half-time and the painted faces in the stands suddenly sported furrowed brows.

In the second half, Boyd almost put Scotland ahead in the 70th-minute, but his shot into the ground cannoned off the bar and to safety.

The small knot of Georgia fans were clearing their throats at regular intervals now and must have thought they would escape the lion's den with a point.

On the touchline, new Scotland coach Roy Aitken was living up to his nickname The Bear, as he prowled his technical area like a grizzly with a sore head.

The poor fourth official had to placate the former midfield general, with a range of hand movements and philosophical expressions.

The Bear's hair may now be grey, but he still bares his teeth.

Georgia appeared to grow in confidence just as Scotland's profligacy seemed to drain the hosts' spirit.

But McLeish is no stranger to late winners at Hampden, as player and manager.

Up popped substitute Craig Beattie in the 88th minute to collect Miller's deft headed flick-on to fire home from close range.

The Bear has brought passion to the touchline

There can be few more stirring sights than Hampden ablaze after a winning Scotland goal.

Four minutes of injury time came and went before the referee blew the final whistle.

It was all too much for some Georgian players, who slumped to the turf in despair.

The PA system belted out Status Quo's Rocking All Over The World, closely followed by The Fratelli's Chelsea Dagger.

The fans loved it, the players were clearly relieved.

McLeish put a consoling arm around former Rangers compatriot Arveladze as they disappeared up the tunnel.

It wasn't the prettiest win.

But it could prove a vital victory, one which could see the Tartan Army packing their bags for Switzerland and Austria next summer.

Like Willie Nelson, Alex McLeish has had Georgia on his mind in the past week.

Now the Scotland boss and his side shift their attention to Bari, and the small matter of facing World Cup winners Italy.

Scotland will be underdogs. But that's the way they like it.