Steven Pressley was an integral part of Scotland's unexpectedly enduring Euro 2008 qualification campaign. He was an influence both on the field and on the training ground as Celtic reached the Champions League last 16 in successive seasons. Now, the veteran centre-back considers Rangers' journey to the UEFA Cup final as further evidence of the feel-good factor coursing through Scottish football.

He is convinced a psychological evolution in recent seasons has equipped the sharp-end Scottish footballer with the self-assurance to survive and flourish at an elite level of club and international football.

Rangers' progress has been based on an inhibited tactical template but Pressley attributes their journey to the City of Manchester, to play Zenit St Petersburg, to a new-found belief prevalent among the new breed.

"It is a fantastic achievement for Scotland as a whole," said Pressley.

"It is terrific that one of our clubs has reached a European final, in terms of our own standing. "We have had Celtic in the last 16 of the Champions League, Scotland came close to qualifying for the European Championships and now Rangers are in the UEFA Cup final; all that can only benefit the game," added the Celtic defender.

"What it proves is that we have better players than we give ourselves credit for. We are quick to criticise our game but I have said before we have some really good players emerging. We also have excellent senior players. What was lacking before was a belief that we could compete at that level but at the Old Firm, we genuinely believe we can compete against the best."

Pressley was a bowl-cut blond Rangers youth thrust into the inaugural Champions League campaign in 1992/93 by Walter Smith. The club experienced a chequered history in European competition during Smith's period of sustained domestic dominance first time around. The subsequent rejuvenation of the Scotland national team and restoration work undertaken ahead of schedule at Ibrox has enhanced Smith's credentials and ensured appreciation in a wider context.

"During my time there, the club had some excellent European adventures and that proved how astute the manager is," said Pressley. "Walter Smith has proven himself over a long period of time how good he is. Being the manager at the Old Firm is a hell of a job with enormous pressure."

Pressley has been exposed to those pressures in his role as senior member of Celtic's squad, in tandem with his new responsibilities as part of George Burley's Scotland backroom team. The 34-year-old has been used sparingly this season by Gordon Strachan and has slipped behind Bobo Balde and Darren O'Dea in the roll-call of replacements for the manager's established defensive partnership of Stephen McManus and Gary Caldwell.

He will leave Parkhead when his contract expires at the end of the month and intimated a desire to enjoy the twilight of his career abroad. "Obviously I haven't played as much as I would have liked," said Pressley, whose contract with Hearts was terminated acrimoniously last year.

"I have enjoyed my time at Celtic and I fully intend to continue playing.

I genuinely feel good and as a lot of people say, you are a long time retired.

"First and foremost, I want to continue playing and, truth be told, I would quite fancy something different at this stage of my career.

I have schoolboy German and haven't given it too much thought at this stage but I have spoken with my agent Blair Morgan. I am just short of 35 and while that is not to say I would not be interested in playing in Scotland, I would like a fresh challenge. I would consider a player/ coach role but not player/manager at this stage."

Maurice Johnston has already made an offer for Pressley to join Toronto in Major League Soccer but a settled family life, and international coaching commitments, has made a Stateside adventure unlikely.

"I had the opportunity to play in MLS," said Pressley. "Maurice has been in touch a couple of times but that would be a lifestyle change as much as anything else. I do not see my long-term future out there.

My involvement with the national team restricts that anyway.

"Come the summer, I will weigh up my options and do what I think is right for me and my family."

Pressley missed the start of the season to undergo an operation on a long-standing back problem and, despite making only seven appearances this season, spoke warmly of his experience working under Gordon Strachan.

"I have a great relationship with Gordon Strachan and I respect him a great deal; I can honestly say he has treated me exceptionally well,"

said Pressley. "He has had to deal with a lot this season and has handled the situation superbly well.

"In the last three to four months I have just tried to be as good a pro as I possibly can be and tried to maintain fitness. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time and learned a lot.

"While I don't expect any negotiations, even if the club did want to talk I really need to be playing football at this stage."