Scotland hope to bulldoze their way into a strong position to reach next summer's European Championships by launching an all-out attack on Lithuania at Hampden on Saturday.

With a testing trip to Paris to face Group B leaders France four days later, maximum points are required to keep hopes alive.

The Scotland camp are also keenly aware that another victory would put pressure on favourites Italy and France ahead of their tussle at the San Siro on Saturday evening.

Manager Alex McLeish heads into the double bill with a favourable track record so far - four wins out of five.

Only a 2-0 defeat to Italy in March blots McLeish's record so far, and coach Roy Aitken believes the positive approach adopted by the man who made 77 appearances for his country as a centre-back has helped win over the Tartan Army.

Aitken insisted a packed Hampden can look forward to another daring display from the Scots on Saturday.

"It will be an attacking formation," he confirmed. "Most of the games since Alex took over have been attacking formations.

"Alex has stamped his own personality on the team since he took on the job. It's very much a team that plays on the front foot, he likes his team to go forward and create chances and the fans have responded to that.

"Going back to the Georgia game a few months back, it was a very much up-and-at-them approach. I think this game will be similar.

"It's a very important game in respect of trying to get the three points from the match. Our home games, at this stage, are vital.

"We have three left and, if we can take maximum points from those three games, it would be fantastic. You really have to win your home games if you're looking for qualification.

"The Lithuania game is the next one at home so that is where our priority lies at the moment."

Former boss Walter Smith presided over the most memorable match of the campaign so far - an exhilarating 1-0 victory over France last October - but McLeish's record suggests he will continue to be a worthy successor to the Rangers boss.

Scotland are aiming for a style of play which is more cavalier than cautious, but there will be no room for complacency.

Aitken added: "We will also be guarding against the threat that Lithuania pose because they are a good side.

"They have only picked up seven points from the group but I think they will be the first to tell you that they have underachieved.

"They feel as though their performance level is worthy of more points so we don't want to underestimate their threat but, equally, we realise it's our home match and we want to take the game to them."

Six Hearts players have been named in the Lithuania squad, while Andrius Skerla and Edgaras Jankauskas have also played in Scotland in the past.

Aitken believes the familiarity between both camps will not necessarily offer any advantage to the hosts.

"It probably helps them too in a sense because they know the Scottish scene, they know the passion of the Scottish support and they know the passion of the Scottish players," he observed.

"There is a big Scottish connection within the Lithuania team but the main thing is down to how we perform. We respect what the Lithuanians have to offer but it's important that we get it right on the day."

McLeish has yet to confirm reports that David Weir will be captain against Lithuania in the absence of the suspended Barry Ferguson, but Aitken has no doubt the veteran defender would be up to the task.

"Davie is so important to the team," he said. "He has been there, he has done it and he knows what it's all about. He is a great professional and a terrific player."