Mackail-Smith fires Scotland into second place

Mackail-Smith first international goal sealed a 1-0 win for Scotland over Liechtenstein in the Rheinpark Stadium.Craig Leveins side moved above the Czech Republic into second place in Group I after Brighton striker Mackail-Smith marked his first start for Scotland with a first half header that was just enough to see off the minnows in Vaduz.The Scots, who sit one point ahead of the Czech Republic, lacked a cutting edge for long periods, but they now face world champions Spain in their final qualifier on Tuesday knowing they will secure a play-off berth if they match the Czechs result in Lithuania.Spain are already through as group winners so Scotland may come up against under-motivated opposition in Alicante, but the quality of Vicente del Bosques side still makes it a daunting assignment and a draw or defeat would be fatal if the Czechs win.The Spaniards 2-0 victory over the Czechs on Friday had reignited Scotlands dreams of snatching a play-off place and there was more good news before kick-off as Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher got the green light to captain the side after a quicker than expected recovery from tonsillitis.Steven Naismith wasted two decent opportunities to open the scoring as the Rangers forward nodded wide from Fletchers free-kick and then headed straight at Liechtenstein goalkeeper Peter Jehle from Barry Bannans cross.In between those two chances, Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor was called into action for the first time to push over Thomas Becks long-range strike.Phil Bardsley tested Jehle with a powerful effort from distance before the opening goal that Scotlands pressure deserved finally arrived in the 32nd minute.Bardsley was the provider as he lofted a pass towards Mackail-Smith, who took advantage of poor positioning from Jehle to loop a header over the stranded goalkeeper into the empty net.