Alex McLeish paid tribute to Scotland's heroes after watching them move a step closer to Euro 2008 with an amazing 1-0 victory over France at the Parc des Princes last night.

Scotland completed a memorable double over the World Cup finalists following their victory by the same score in Glasgow last year.

James McFadden scored the 64th-minute winner, catapulting his side to the top of Group B on 21 points while France were relegated to third spot following Italy's 2-1 win in Ukraine.

''We needed passion tonight and this is something which the Scottish team has always had,'' said Scotland boss McLeish after the game.

''My players showed a great deal of confidence, we needed something special, we knew that a win would be hard to get. We needed a feat and we got it.

''There have been many great moments for me as manager but that match gives me one of the greatest nights of my football life.

''I saw the goal all the way, it was just magnificent, James is so accurate with the ball.

''We gave the Scottish fans something to celebrate and I'm glad that my players stood up against a very good French team. We have all made a nation very very happy.

''I think this goal is one of the greatest and most important for Scottish football.''

Scotland have three matches left and while they are closer to qualification, McLeish does not want to get carried away.

''We knew the group would be hard but I've always said we could qualify.

"We were within touching distance of Italy and France,'' he added.

''With a win like this one, it is more and more possible of course. I've always believed in us.

''Now I don't think France are out of the way and, as far as we are concerned, the challenge is still there for Scotland.

''We are facing three important and difficult games. There is still a lot of work to do. We are not qualified yet.''

France coach Raymond Domenech blamed his side's lack of success in front of goal for last night's defeat.

Despite a handful of opportunities throughout the game, the home side failed to find the back of the net.

''I think we were overall better than in our first leg against Scotland, we controlled the match better, but we did not have that little spark of success,'' said a stunned Domenech.

''We are very unhappy to have lost, this is not a comfortable situation for us.

''We did all we could, the players cannot be blamed for the loss. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, it just does not work out for you.''