Scotland manager Craig Levein admitted there was plenty of room for improvement following the goalless draw in Lithuania - but he feels his players' effort has restored some pride in the national team.

Scotland failed to emulate their previous European Championship start, when they won 2-1 in Kaunas, but were superior in every department other than finishing.

"It's not the end of the world - we were the better side and just lacked a goal," Levein said.

"The biggest plus factor was the effort the players put in. It was important we showed everyone over here and back home that we really are proud to be involved in the Scottish national team.

"I was happy with the amount of times we won the ball and pressed up the pitch."

Levein would no doubt have been content had someone told him before his first competitive match in charge that his side would create a handful of decent opportunities.

The best arguably came four minutes after the interval when Kenny Miller headed straight at the goalkeeper from 12 yards following a cross from Barry Robson, who forced several saves from long range.

The only time Allan McGregor was forced to prove his quality came after veteran Rangers stopper David Weir was hacked down by Saulius Mikoliunas without punishment from Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakira, whose leniency with the Lithuanians exasperated Levein.

"I think Allan McGregor made one save in the match and that was after a blatant free-kick that we should have had," Levein said.

"We had opportunities to win the game. Coming away from home in this competition is always difficult and all we lacked for our effort was a goal."