Alan Hutton insists Scotland have gone from no-hopers to genuine qualifying group contenders.
The national team will be in pot 2 and avoid the likes of England, France and the Czech Republic when the Euro 2024 draw is made a week on Sunday.
That was after they secured promotion to the UEFA Nations League Group A with Tuesday’s draw against Ukraine.
Even if Scotland do not finish in the top two of their section, they can also still rely on a guaranteed play-off place.
Former Scotland, Rangers and Aston Villa right-back Hutton insists it was impossible for the country to qualify for major tournaments during his playing career when they were often drawn from pot three or four.
But the 37-year-old, who earned 50 caps between 2007 and 2016, insists that has all changed.
He said: “In times gone by and I can only speak from my experiences - we were never going to qualify, it was just too hard.
“You had two, three top nations. I just think that the development of this team has shown that they are ready for that step up.
“We know it’s going to be difficult but they are avoiding some big nations and it gives them a chance. Plus, you have the play off if it does not work out.
“It’s all good at the moment, for all this team has gone through with the call offs they have shown a great standard.
“Now they are adding in quality and you can see that with the performances.”
Hutton insists the makeshift defence of Aaron Hickey, Jack Hendry, Ryan Porteous and Greg Taylor deployed against Ukraine have now given manager Steve Clarke a welcome selection headache when it comes to picking the next team.
He added: “They were outstanding as a unit, defensively they were very brave, you saw how high the line was at times.
“Before these games were upon us, would that have been a back four that was picked? Probably not.
“You have competition but when you are thrown in at the deep end and you come out on top then you are staking a place for the next game.
“There is healthy competition there and that’s what makes your team better, there is strength and depth and when everybody is fit Steve Clarke has an alrighty job in picking a back four.
“Difficult decisions but that’s what you want in this game.”
