Barry Ferguson aimed a tongue in cheek jibe at Scotland boss Steve Clarke for resting Celtic's Callum McGregor against Austria.
The midfielder sat out the 2-2 draw in midweek with a massive Rangers derby coming up on Sunday.
McGregor has been an ever present when available to Clarke and Fergie couldn't resist a playful pop at the thought that McGregor could have an advantage this weekend considering he didn't play.
"I just get a right good feeling about this squad," Ferguson said in reference to the national team.
"It's a real strong squad. You look at the team that started, strong team, and you look at the guys that come off the bench."
He then joked: "It was nice to see Steve Clarke rested Callum McGregor, but listen that's the quality.
"He's not on the pitch, Callum McGregor, who is probably one of, if not, Scotland's most important player.
"It just shows you the quality in depth that he has got."
Asked if Clarke handed Celtic a potential advantage, Ferguson replied on Go Radio: "Ryan Jack only played 60 minutes and only played 20 odd minutes against Poland. So, it kind of evens itself out.
"I think if you ask Callum he would have rather played last night.
"He never misses games. When you look back on Callum McGregor's record, even Scotland games, he never misses them.
"It might have been a bit different for him getting a rest.
"I'm sure [Ange] Postecoglou will be absolutely delighted with him getting rested but I think if you asked Callum he'd have rather played the game."
