Just two games into the qualifying campaign, the nation's hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup finals in Rio are hanging by a thread – as is Levein's tenure if the fans have their way.

Maloney believes that Scotland have lacked genuine quality in their opening two games against Serbia and Macedonia, but has rubbished theories that a change of manager just now would fix things.

"As players we have a responsibility too," he said. "We have definitely not quite been at our best and that's frustrating.

"But I want to stress that every player in the dressing room has their hearts and minds behind the manager.

"As a player, I have immense respect for him. I want him to do well and, as a nation, I want us to do well on the park. The manager is not wet behind the ears. He knows the pressure that goes with the job and he knows the expectation level.

"I think it is only fair to give him a little bit of time because I feel we have improved as a team under him.

"It is not the start we would have wanted. I don't think anyone would pretend that it is. Had we won last night we would have taken four points from six which would have been a reasonable start.

"That is as frustrating for us as players as it is for the supporters. But I think some of the reaction has been a little bit hysterical."

Wales are next on the horizon for Scotland in October, and after being walloped 6-1 by Serbia last night, Maloney expects that they will be on the end of their own outrage this week.

He said: "You would think that heads might be down when we play Wales, but you also have to think that they will be getting it in the neck from the media and fans down there.

"We just need to make sure that we pick ourselves up."