Pearson: Upbeat

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Stephen Pearson believes Scotland have a 'tremendous chance' of qualifying for Euro 2008.

Scotland are one point clear of Italy at the top of Group B, with France a further point adrift.

Pearson accepts that Scotland's three remaining games, against Ukraine, Georgia and Italy, will be difficult, but is confident of finishing in the top two.

"I don't see any reason why we can't," said the midfielder.

"We have given ourselves a tremendous chance. It's still going to be difficult as we have the hardest run.

"We have still got two very difficult games coming up and another one obviously against Italy, but we have proved over the course of this campaign that we are good enough to beat anyone on our day.

"We are there on merit and we have got a great chance of going through."

A great week

Pearson admits that Scottish football is riding the crest of a wave following good results for Celtic and Rangers, but feels the success can continue.

He said: "It's nice for Scotland to be up there competing with the best teams.

"It's been a great week for Scottish football as a whole, with Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen all progressing in Europe, which is great, and it can only help the players when they come away on international duty that they are confident and looking forward to the games.

"Scottish football has been getting a lot of plaudits from everywhere and it just shows how far we have come in such a short space of time."

Pearson has only recently returned to the Scotland side and he is eager to cement his place with another good performance against Ukraine.

"If given an opportunity then I will be looking to stake a claim for a run in the side," he said.

"But there is competition for places and we will see how it goes."