Ally McCoist is delighted for Craig Halkett after his maiden Scotland call-up.
The Hearts centre-back was rewarded for his excellent form this season by boss Steve Clarke.
McCoist signed Halkett for Rangers as a youngster and immediately changed his position.
The 26-year-old was originally a striker but McCoist wasn't having any of that.
“With the greatest of respect to big Halky, we had to get that eradicated from his game!” McCoist jokingly told Football Scotland.
“I love big Halky dearly, but a centre forward he ain't, right? He might tell you otherwise, given his growing stature within the Scottish game.
“But let me tell you, right now; categorically and as much as I love him, centre forward he ain't!
“I can't take the majority of the credit for his call-up. In fact none of it, he deserves all the credit and everything going. I’m absolutely thrilled for him.”
Halkett didn't feature for Scotland against Poland but McCoist hopes that he can get his first cap against Austria next week.
“I was a bit disappointed but Stevie can only pick so many,” he added.
“The main thing is Stevie’s got him in and around the squad, given him a taste of it and he’s shown everybody that there’s an avenue and opportunity if you’re doing well.
“He’s just growing in stature all the time, he really is. It’s no surprise that Durranty [Ian Durrant] and I still speak about him.
“It’s great to see what hard work and dedication, and obviously a belief in your own ability, can get you. That’s what Halky’s had. He’s earned everything that he’s got so far and I don't see him stopping
“He will get that cap, no doubt about it and there’ll be nobody happier than the likes of Ian Durrant, Kenny McDowall and myself.
“Everyone of the managers and coaches that he’s worked under deserves credit, but none more so than him.”
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