Scotland manager Gordon Strachan could scarcely have asked for a tougher draw in Euro 2016 qualifying, but he is confident that his side have what it takes to make it to an expanded finals in France.
The Scots were drawn in Group D along with Germany, the Republic of Ireland and Poland, with Georgia also likely to provide stiff opposition and minnows Gibraltar completing the section.
In the past it would have appeared an impossible task for a Scotland side who have not qualified for a major international tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France, but UEFA's decision to increase the number of finalists from 16 to 24 certainly gives them a chance.
The top two sides in each group will progress while third place will at least guarantee another chance to advance via a two-legged play-off, although Germany - the three-time winners who are bidding to qualify for a 12th successive Euro finals - surely have top spot annexed.
"Excited. I think that's the one thing you can say about this group. Others might be a bit mundane," was Strachan's reaction after the draw was made in the southern French city of Nice on Sunday.
"There's a new nation in the tournament in Gibraltar, and then you've got four other teams who are all possible to get the second place.
"I would imagine so," said the 57-year-old when asked if it would be a straight fight to snatch second behind Germany.
"The Germans might make one mistake, and I don't think they've failed to qualify for a major tournament for, I don't know, 100 years. Since tournaments started they have always seemed to get to a finals.
"So the rest of us, I think common sense would be saying we'll go for second place," added Strachan, who will come up against an Ireland side managed by Martin O'Neill, the man he replaced in the Celtic dugout in 2005.
Scotland were the first European nation to be eliminated from qualifying for this year's World Cup in Brazil, but a revival under Strachan saw them win three of their last four matches in that campaign.
They will get an early look at the Poles when they travel to Warsaw for a friendly match next Wednesday, March 5.
