Gemmill: McFadden's wonder strike tops my glory goal

But he admits that honour has now been passed on to James McFadden thanks to a moment of magic in Paris last night.

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While Gemmill's strike against Holland in the 1978 World Cup will forever be remembered for the sublime skill and audacity with which it was despatched, it was not enough to prolong Scotland's short-lived participation in the Argentina event.

In contrast, McFadden's long range wonder-strike in the Parc des Princes sealed a famous victory over France and took the Scots to within touching distance of qualification for Euro 2008.

"My goal was a million times better!" laughed Gemmill, before adding: "Nah, I'm only kidding."

He said: "McFadden's goal was better than mine when you consider what was at stake.

"Three points were hanging on that goal which makes it a very, very important goal.

"The goalkeeper [Mickael Landreau] may look back and think he could have done better but it was a wonderful strike and that is what football is all about.

"France dominated for long periods of the game but they didn't create much and it was a moment of magic from McFadden which won the match."

The victory was enough to propel Scotland to the top of Group B, a point ahead of Italy and two ahead of France.

With home games against Ukraine and Italy bookending an away match in Georgia, Gemmill is confident Scotland can book their ticket to Austria and Switzerland.

"Of course we have a realistic chance now," he insisted. "It's there for us to take.

"We are in a far better position now than we were before last night. It was a fabulous performance by every single player in the Scotland team.

"I don't know if it's the best win ever but it's certainly up there when you consider what it could mean.

"We now have a couple of games at home, as well as one away, and the important thing now is to keep the momentum going."

Alex McLeish has rightly earned plenty of plaudits for the exhilarating journey he has taken the country on since assuming the role of national team coach in January.

But Gemmill was also keen to pay tribute to McLeish's predecessor, Walter Smith, who steered the Scots back on track and restored national pride in the wake of the ill-fated Berti Vogts era.

"What Walter did shouldn't be forgotten either," said Gemmill, who earned 43 caps.

"He started the revolution two years ago and it was because of him we started the campaign so well.

"Alex then continued in the same vein, changed things a little bit and brought a couple of players in.

"Everything is looking rosy for Scotland at the moment."