Euro 2008/Ukraine v Scotland: It is a reflection of just how far Scotland have come in such a short time that, where recently all were drowning their sorrows, Walter Smith now feels compelled to preach caution publicly and ensure a nation does not become drunk on startling success.

"There's an awareness that we'd need to keep up a hell of a level to keep going like this," he insisted. "The expectation that we keep winning is maybe a wee bit beyond us. It's a big ask to come here and beat Ukraine."

That, though, is the aim at the Olympic Stadium this evening and, for all the manager's downbeat public utterances, he and his squad share a steely belief that a staggering start to their qualification campaign can be maintained here. Top after wins against the Faroe Islands, Lithuania and, most breathtakingly, France, they can ensure their lead in Group B remains at three points by beating the World Cup quarter-finalists tonight.

Heady days indeed, but Smith's pleading for calm reflects the daunting nature of this group. Ukraine, an apparently fit-again Andriy Shevchenko aside, lack the glamour of Italy and France, but they reached the last eight this summer and, as Smith conceded having watched them against Spain and Tunisia in Germany, they boast pace, athleticism and invention.

There is an acceptance within this squad that the Scots' successes have to be forged on industry. Kenny Miller will return from suspension to hassle Ukraine's back line, with Barry Ferguson, Paul Hartley and Darren Fletcher resuming their whirlwind in midfield.

There remains doubt as to who will play on the left of midfield, with both Lee McCulloch and James McFadden only recently returned to fitness and leg-weary from their exertions at Hampden Park, but there will definitely be a debutant. The Hearts right-back Robbie Neilson will deputise for the banned Christian Dailly - capped 64 times and sure to be missed.