John Collins believes Scotland does have the talent to qualify for a major finals - despite the criticism which has been aimed at the national team recently.
The quality of players has been scrutinised in the wake of George Burley's sacking earlier this week, with the job now being seen as a far less attractive prospect than it once was.
But former Hibernian boss Collins does see hope for the national team, and said: "We've shown in flashes in games that we can compete with the best."
He added: "It's about trying to get consistency. It's a possibility, of course it is, but it takes consistency, hard work and some breaks along the way. It's a fine line between winning and losing.
"We've got to try to get behind the players. Everyone has got to try to do their little bit to help.
"It's easy to criticise and jump on the bandwagon and say the players aren't doing this and that or the manager isn't doing it.
"But I think there are certain key moments when the players need a little more support and backing."
