Miller backs current crop

Scotland v Italy live on Sky Sports 1 from 4pm on Saturday

Last updated: 14th November 2007

James McFadden

McFadden: Backed by Miller to shine against Italy

I think this squad is performing not only to the standard they are capable of, but on occasions beyond that.

Willie Miller
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Former Scotland captain Willie Miller believes the current squad have already surpassed their predecessors regardless of this weekend's result against Italy.

The Scots have beaten France home and away and defeated Ukraine to put themselves 90 minutes away from the European Championship finals.

And Miller is optimistic they can continue to defy the odds by beating the world champions at Hampden to guarantee qualification.

The Aberdeen director of football played at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups alongside the likes of Graeme Souness and Gordon Strachan.

But he feels the players under the guidance of his former Dons team-mate Alex McLeish have punched further above their weight than any other Scotland side.

Performed

"I think they have done better than any squad," he said.

"We have had bigger-name squads that have maybe let the nation down on occasions because we haven't performed to the standard that we should have.

"I think this squad is performing not only to the standard they are capable of, but on occasions beyond that.

"They are out-performing themselves and you have got to do that as a Scotland team because we are not the best nation in the world by far.

Special

"But we have got something special, a character and a swagger and I think this young squad have certainly got that."

Miller is also looking to James McFadden to cement his status as Scotland's maverick hero.

"I think he is the one we are all looking to to produce something special," the former Aberdeen manager and skipper said.

"He has done it on so many occasions in this campaign but sometimes when the eyes are on one you expect then you maybe get an unsung hero that might just put the ball over the line that is going to get that crucial goal.

"We have been playing some good football and we do have players in the squad that can produce something special.

"And I do hope it is McFadden because he has had a wonderful campaign. The nation would love it if he could just put the icing on the cake and get the winner for us - something spectacular from 40 yards would be just wonderful."