CELTIC have reaped the benefits of their Japanese influence in Scotland as Ange Postecoglou's side set their sights on the domestic clean sweep this term.
And Ally McCoist reckons the Land of the Rising Sun can provide the inspiration for Steve Clark and the national team against Spain next week.
The Ibrox legend was in Qatar on World Cup duty in December and saw Japan shock one of the tournament favourites in their decisive Group E clash on matchday three.
Spain took four points from their 7-0 win over Costa Rice and draw with Germany and were on course for a second victory when Alvaro Morata gave them an early lead at the Khalifa International Stadium.
But a quickfire double from Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka completed a remarkable comeback as Hajime Moriyasu's side won a thrilling encounter in controversial circumstances.
That win was proof that anything can happen at international level and McCoist will take heart from events in Qatar as Clarke attempts to oversee a European Championship triumph at Hampden on Tuesday evening.
“Spain were tremendous in the first half but Japan just kept themselves in the game," McCoist said. “It was weird that Kyogo and Reo Hatate were not even in the squad but I can fully understand why they played [Daizen] Maeda.
“He is a total workhorse and he is a solid player. He is a proper player’s player. He is a great team-mate.
“I don't think Spain are at the level of ten years ago when they ruled the world. But, they are still a terrific team with the two young lads, Gavi and Pedri, in the middle of the park.
“They are the favourites on Tuesday night but Japan showed they can be beaten. Nobody gave Japan a chance but they were so impressive in the way they were so organised and their phenomenal workrate.
“They were meticulous in everything they did and their fitness levels were off the scale. To get any sort of result against Spain you have got to be exceptionally fit and organised.
“Spain are going to have so much of the ball and you need the pace and fitness to counter them. The one thing Stevie is, is meticulous in his approach."
The visit of Spain will be an occasion to savour at Hampden as some of the biggest names in the game grace the National Stadium in a crucial Group A fixture.
The odds will be stacked against Scotland but McCoist knows all too well what can happen on home soil after he and Tommy Burns helped Walter Smith mastermind a famous win over France in 2006.
“One of the best Scotland performances I can remember is when we beat France 1-0 and Gary Caldwell," McCoist said. “I genuinely believe at that time they were the best team in the world. They were at the peak of their powers.
“We carried a bit of luck and you need to take any chance that comes your way.
“It is not a free hit because I hate that term. It is a home game and you have to win your home games.
“Yes, Spain are favourites for the group but you have got to look to take something and I think we can.”
Victory over Luis de la Fuente's star-studded side would be a remarkable triumph for Clarke and his players as Scotland aim to give Hampden a reason to roar.
The Tartan Army have been encouraged by the progress that Clarke has made during his tenure and former dark blues striker McCoist is pleased to see the feelgood factor back once again.
“I think the Scotland support had lost a wee bit of interest." McCoist said. “Even the players didn't seem to have the same enthusiasm.
“Stevie has changed all that and the fans have fed off that. I have played at Hampden when the atmosphere is unbelievable and it makes a huge difference.
“If we could beat Spain that would be another level. The improvement in the team has been great.”
*Ally McCoist was promoting Viaplay’s live and exclusive coverage of Scotland v Spain. Viaplay is available to stream from viaplay.com or via your TV provider on Sky, Virgin TV and Amazon Prime as an add-on subscription
