Barry Robson has backed Scotland to go one better than last time and end a lengthy exile from major tournaments by qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

The Scots narrowly missed out on a place in this summer's European Championships when defeat to Italy in their final qualifier spelled the end of the dream.

The campaign undoubtedly provided some memories which will live with the Tartan Army forever - such as James McFadden's unforgettable goal in France - and Robson believes there are lessons which can be learned from those games.

But with a new manager, George Burley, at the helm and a fresh challenge ahead, the Celtic midfielder feels now is the time to stop dwelling on what might have been and look to the future instead.

"I think it's good to look back on things and see how well the team performed at times," he said.

"Sometimes you can look back and take things from there into the next campaign.

"But it's forgotten about now. We're all trying to qualify for the World Cup now.

"The most important thing is we all work together like we did the last time as a squad because the boys all get on great and that will be a big part of it as well.

"We want to generate the same again and hopefully go that step further and get there. We did play really well as a team and a squad.

"Some games were unbelievable - France away with Faddy's goal - and it's hard when you look back because I thought we were extremely unlucky not to qualify.

"But if we can get that bit of luck on our side this time and improve, then we can hopefully do it."

Robson is hoping to earn only his third cap when Scotland host Northern Ireland in a friendly at Hampden on Wednesday night.

He is keen to establish himself as a regular in Burley's plans but knows he cannot take involvement with the national team for granted.

He said: "I don't know if I've established myself as a first-team regular, I have to prove myself first.

"I don't think you ever establish yourself as a first-team regular, you have to prove yourself every time.

"You've got to stay in the side, it's not a case of turning up every time and expecting to play. I don't think any player can do that.

"If you take your foot off the gas you'll lose your place because that's what it's like here.

"I've been in a lot of squads now, 14 I think, but I didn't play a lot under Alex McLeish because of the way things were going at that time - the boys were playing brilliantly. I was just happy being in the squad and getting a game when I could.

"There's a new manager in and we've all got a chance to impress. Any time in your career, being involved in the international squad is great.

"When you're playing in good sides - whether it's Celtic or Scotland - there are always good players beside you that will take your place if you're not performing.

"That's just the way football is when you are playing at the highest level."

At the age of 29, Robson believes he still has plenty more to offer and does not see South Africa in 2010 as his last chance to grace a major finals.

"I'm maybe the type of player who can play a long time," he said.

"I've looked after myself over the years and I feel as if I get fitter and stronger every year.

"I feel really good. You just take it as it comes."

Looking ahead to the Northern Ireland game, Robson said: "Obviously, no-one wants to lose.

"We want to win every single game but as the manager points out, he wants to try some things. The more games you win it breeds confidence.

"Fingers crossed we get the right result."

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