IT is still too early to crack open the champagne and there is still work to be done before Scotland can boogie once again.
But victory over Ukraine on Wednesday night was the perfect tonic for Steve Clarke's side and a Tartan Army, drunk on emotion and excitement, that savoured every moment under the Hampden lights.
It was, of course, against the same opposition that Scotland saw their World Cup dreams ended this summer as supporters had to drown their sorrows in the aftermath of another failed qualification bid.
The morning after the night before had a very different feeling about this time, though, and top spot in our Nations League group, and a Euro 2024 play-off place, is now within sights.
Two matches, both tricky in their own right but both more than winnable, at home to the Republic of Ireland and away to Ukraine await in the coming days for Clarke's side.
Defeat would have been a disaster at Hampden. A fine showing and deserved success - earned thanks to a John McGinn strike and two headers from Lyndon Dykes - have breathed fresh life into the campaign, however, and Kieran Tierney hopes Scotland will soon have a reason to celebrate properly once again.
“It was a good win and a good performance," Tierney said. "I think that’s what we needed and the fans needed. It gives us confidence going into the last two games.
“It’s going to be tough with three games in such a short space of time, but we’ve got a lot of quality in the squad and we’ll look forward to it.
“The plan is to play like that again. We want to play good football and that was one of the best Scotland performances in a while.
“We’ve had some good results in the past but performance-wise that was right up there against a team that beat us 3-1 not so long ago.
“There’s no point in panicking. We know with our build up play we are going to create chances. We do a lot of work on set pieces as well and we know no matter we can be dangerous no matter what time we get them.
“We showed that the other night. We need to keep pushing and try to go as far as we can.
"We showed we are all buying into what the manager is doing. He showed everything, the team meetings, the tactical stuff, it was all magic on the night."
That preparation from Clarke included a switch to a back four as the formation and approach that has been the hallmark of his time in charge was ditched for the Ukraine rematch.
The plan was disrupted in the first half when Nathan Patterson was cruelly forced off with a knee injury and had to be replaced by Aaron Hickey.
It was a setback that didn't knock Scotland out of their stride. With Tierney on the other flank and Scott McKenna and Jack Hendry in the middle, the foundations for victory were laid.
Tierney said: “In the first few presses in the opening minutes it was a case of us thinking we needed to get to grips with it.
“We got there. We pressed them in good areas, won the ball in good positions and created plenty of chances. It worked on the night.
"I’m happy. I look forward to the roles I play here, even if it’s a back five.
“I really do like that role and it works well. We’ve had some really good results and we qualified for the Euros playing that way. It’s something I enjoy.
“Playing left back is great as well. It’s a different left back to Arsenal, where I’m maybe higher up the pitch. But I really enjoyed it out there the other night.
“I’m just working hard. I’ve had an in-out start to the season. I’ve been in some games and out others.
“I’m just working hard on what I can control. When I play I am going to give my all, no matter what position it is. I’m enjoying every minute of being back fit again.”
The presence of a fully fit and firing Tierney gives Clarke an option that he was denied when his side crashed to that humbling defeat at the Aviva Stadium a couple of months ago.
Scotland are naturally a better outfit with the Arsenal star on the field and it would be unfathomable if the levels dropped to those Dublin depths second time around.
The mood in the camp and across the nation has been given a timely boost. Now Scotland must take it up another notch against an Irish outfit that have just four points from as many games in Group One.
Tierney said: “I was just so gutted in the summer I couldn’t be there. It was unfortunate but it’s good to be back.
“I love playing for Scotland and I’m so happy to be here. I love the boys, the manager and the coaching staff. I’m buzzing.
“I was gutted [to miss the Ireland game]. You know the boys want to win everything. It was disappointing after the Ukraine game but you were wanting to bounce back with a good result.
“I think you learn from that though, 100 percent, and become a better team. You don’t want that feeling, to feel down and for people to be on you.
"You use it as motivation to come back, to please the manager and play like you know you can – and give the fans something to cheer about."
