Steven Naismith believes Scotland will never have a better chance to end their long absence from a major finals than the upcoming Euro 2020 qualification play-offs.
The Scots host Israel in tonight’s qualification semi-final, with a final tie away to Norway or Serbia awaiting them if they triumph.
Should Steve Clarke’s men win both games they will reach next summer’s finals, ending a wait since the 1998 World Cup.
Forward Naismith, who has 10 goals in 51 caps, says he will be giving the national team all his backing from home.
The 34-year-old said: “I will be watching it, eagerly anticipating and hoping for a good performance and win.
“I’m very confident we will. It’s a big meet up, it’s what it has all boiled down to.
“It has been delayed and it has got its issues with not having the fans, but we are not going to get a better chance. I hope the boys can grasp it.”
Hearts attacker Naismith played his first competitive game of the season in Tuesday’s Betfred Cup victory over Caley Thistle at Tynecastle.
Although the Jambos will be playing in the Championship this season, Naismith is not giving up hope of forcing his way back into Clarke’s plans.
He added: “I would never say never. I will work as hard as I can and the manager knows what I can bring to it.
“He has spoken to me about it, it’s going to be about how I’m playing as an individual.
“With the lack of competitive games, that’s the issue for any of the players that are outwith the top flight. That was always going to put me at a disadvantage.
“I have been out of the squad before and got back at certain times. The bigger picture is I want them to win and get the country back to a major finals. What a chance it is.”
