Steve Clarke was pleased as patient Scotland claimed a 2-0 win over Belarus to move joint top of their World Cup qualifying group.
Che Adams and a Zakhar Volkov own goal saw Scotland take four points from their opening two matches, following the goalless draw with Denmark last week.
Clarke hailed his players after victory on Monday night, but insisted he won't allow his squad to get carried away following a promising start.
"It was a tough night," he said. "I expected the reaction that Belarus gave. Obviously, they lost quite heavily in the first game, so the immediate reaction to that is going to be more defensively solid.
"They started the team with a lot of big guys, filled the middle of the park with more defensive midfield players and centre backs.
"We had to be patient. It was nice to get the goal when we got it, just before half-time because that gives you that little bit extra security.
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"I thought we were good. We just kept prodding, kept trying to do what we wanted to do. Obviously, they wanted to make it difficult for us, they were always a threat on the counter because they had a bit of pace up front.
"It was just to remain patient, that was the message at half time, which if we hadn't have scored then would have been the same.
"I told them at half time they had to stay patient because we also needed the second goal to make sure that the game was secure.
"It's a good start but it is only a start.
"Four points will never qualify anybody for anything so we have two big games next month.
"But the effort from the players, the preparation I've had from all my staff has been great, and it's nice to start and go home with a smile on our face, but I'm already thinking about next month."
