Source: Team_Talk
Naismith positive on Scottish hopes
The Rangers striker, 22, had only played eight minutes as substitute before he made his first start for his country - against Holland in Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier at Hampden.
Despite a rousing performance from George Burley's side they lost 1-0 to blow their chances of a play-off spot and consequently, the Scottish Football Association will review the manager's position next week.
Scotland have not made the finals of a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup finals in France.
While the Tartan Army contemplates a bleak future in regards qualification campaigns, Naismith remains upbeat.
"We have very good players playing at a very high level so I would be confident that we could qualify," he said.
"In the last two campaigns for major competitions, we have taken it to the last game and we have to take positives from that.
"In the previous campaign, we had Italy and France in our group and we nearly came through that.
"This time around we put in a few good results so we just have to take the positives.
"Every tournament is going to be different, there are going to be up-and-coming players along with more experienced boys and I think that will be a good mixture for us."
Naismith, who spent nine months out with a cruciate ligament injury sustained in a Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone in April 2008, was surprised to get the nod from Burley as replacement for Steven Fletcher.
He said: "I'm not going to lie, I probably was surprised.
"Even getting called up for the Norway squad was a bit of a bonus for me after being out injured last season and having only played in pre-season.
"But it's great to play for your country and I was delighted.
"It was a good experience. Obviously you are playing against one of the best teams in the world and as a player that's what you want to do, to test yourself against these players.
"We knew we had to give it a go and for the majority of the game we gave it a good go.
"But every squad is different. You need to be doing it first for your club before the international manager picks you.
"I will be going back to Rangers, hopefully doing well there to get picked in the future."
G Burley Scotland manager for 1st Euro 2012 qualifier Win Specials: Yes 5/4
