Scotland manager Craig Levein has stated that he believes his side have improved "enormously" since they began their last campaign to qualify for a major championships.

Their attempt to qualify for Euro 2012 ended in failure, but Levein believes that while Scotland open with a tough match against Serbia, they can cause a surprise and make the World Cup in Brazil.

Levein told reporters: "It's a tough, tough match. Something like 16 of their players will play in the Champions League this year and six will play in the Europa League, so they have quality players.

"Fortunately for me, our players have improved enormously too, and our team has improved enormously from where we were two years ago.

"I believe wholeheartedly in this team and I believe that he have our best chance in a long time of qualifying."

Levein has been manager of Scotland since 2009, winning 10 of his 20 matches in charge.