After Alex Ferguson resigned as Scotland manager, the favourites to take over were Billy McNeill who was at Manchester City, and Jim McLean at Dundee Utd. On 16th July 1986 the shock appointment was Andy Roxburgh, who was the director of coaching at the SFA, and unknown to most of the Scotland fans. As his assistant, Craig Brown from Clyde was appointed.

Roxburgh's first task as manager was the Euro '88 qualifiers and Scotland made a poor start which saw them only get 4 points out of the first 10. These matches were goalless draws at home to Bulgaria and away to Republic of Ireland, and a 3-0 win at home to Luxembourg, before a 1-0 home defeat to Republic of Ireland. Scotland then went 12 years without losing a competitive game at home. In the away match to Belgium, Scotland were thrashed 4-1 with Paul McStay scoring the consolation goal. The 1987 Rous Cup followed with Scotland getting a 0-0 draw with England before they were defeated 2-0 by guests Brazil. The new season started with a 2-0 victory over Hungary in a friendly, with Ally McCoist scoring his first two goals for Scotland. Scotland then gained two very good results in the qualifiers; firstly a 2-0 home win over Belgium, with McCoist and McStay the scorers. In the following game Scotland won 1-0 away in Bulgaria thanks to a late Gary Mackay goal. That victory also gave Republic of Ireland qualification in Bulgaria's place. The campaign finished with a disappointing goalless draw in Luxembourg.