Alex McLeish last night savoured one of his most satisfying nights in management and insisted no-one but the most ambitious Scot would have predicted last night's remarkable 1-0 win against France in the Parc des Princes.

James McFadden's goal is not only one of the best in Scotland's back catalogue but it could also prove one of the most important.

"I do not know if it is the best result ever because I don't know the whole history but it must be the best in modern times," said a delightfully frazzled national manager.

"We came to try to take something from the game, be it a point or three, but nobody in world football would have expected this result . . . except us. We have given the Scotland fans something to really celebrate and made the nation very happy.

"There have been many great memories as a manager but these players have given me one of my greatest nights in my football life."

McFadden's goal was sweet vindication of one of McLeish's major alterations from Saturday's 3-1 win against Lithuania. Chosen ahead of Kris Boyd and Garry O'Connor for the lone striking role, his long-range dispatch was a moment he will treasure for the rest of his life.

It capped a fine, unselfish display of controlled aggression in confrontation with Lilian Thuram. McLeish, who missed Boyd's opener on Saturday as he jotted down notes, had a bird's eye view of the spectacular strike but was gleefully unsurprised by the player's capability and the perfect execution.

This, after Darren Fletcher and Boyd improvised profitably against Lithuania, demonstrated the enterprise and initiative that now courses through the squad.

"We needed players with confidence and belief and that's what we got," he said. "We needed something special and James is capable of that. It was difficult for us to get into the last third but special players can do that. It's certainly one of the greatest and one of the most important.

"He strikes the ball very well so why should we be surprised when he scores a goal like that? I said to the players before the game that I hoped they would show the same initiative they showed against Lithuania and if I was scribbling something down and missed another goal I'd be happy. I saw this one all the way."

Victory was achieved in familiar adversity. Darren Fletcher, Scotland's sprightliest player in the early sparring, limped off after an awkward challenge from Patrick Vieira. He was replaced by Stephen Pearson but Scotland never faltered despite losing one of their most profound influences.

"I did not want to lose Darren so early because he was an important part of the team but it would good to see Stephen Pearson come on and do so well," said McLeish. "We also defended very well and made it difficult for them to penetrate us. A team is only as good as you allow them to be."

Scotland are now serious contenders to qualify from arguably the most difficult group in the whole qualification process. McLeish will not allow complacency to afflict the thrilling prospect of participation in Austria and Switzerland - at the expense of one of world football's genuine heavyweights.

"I have always said that we can qualify but now we are within touching distance," he said. "We have been beside France and Italy for a long time and anything is possible now. What this result does is reinforce the belief of the players.

"We have this young team aided by fantastic experience. They have a strength of mind to go with the ability. The only way France will be out of it is if we win our remaining games. We have difficult games ahead and the challenge is still there for Scotland."