Former Scotland captain Scott Brown has backed winger Josh McPake to make the international step as a new era for the national team gets set to begin.
Brown anticipates some fresh blood when Sebastien Pocognoli picks his first squad ahead of Nations League matches against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia.
Steve Clarke was loyal to the core of his squad throughout his seven years in charge and the appointment of a new head coach, along with two new assistants, will likely have sparked some hope in Scottish players who have found themselves on the international fringes.
Brown came up against McPake during his spell as Ayr manager and the winger has been a revelation for Hearts in recent weeks following his move from St Johnstone.
The 25-year-old has scored twice for Hearts and delivered three assists in four William Hill Premiership matches.
“I really like Josh McPake,” said Brown, who was promoting Premier Sports’ coverage of Scottish football.
“He’s had a fantastic start to the season. Josh has managed to step up from the Championship to the Premiership and show against top teams that he can do it.
“Now can he go and do that with Scotland as well? I do believe that he could.
“Calvin Miller as well, the two Hearts lads have done really, really well.
“I believe he will go young, so it’ll be interesting to see if he picks young from Scotland or if he goes to the ones down the road (England) that are playing well.
“Robbo (Andy Robertson) will still be there, you’ll have Kieran (Tierney), you’ll have a decision to make whether he takes Grant Hanley and people like that.
“Grant’s still playing at Hibs, so there’s an opportunity for him to be in the squad. Whether he plays or not, if he goes, it’s like a mentor role to the younger ones because it is going to be young.
“But there’s all sorts of different opportunities for Seb to pick.”
Serie A-based Lennon Miller, Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie are looking to establish themselves in the squad.
Celtic right-back Colby Donovan, Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan and Rangers left-back James Penrice could come into contention plus striker Robbie Ure following his move to Sevilla.
Stephen Welsh and Elliot Watt were also tipped for international honours following their performances for Motherwell last season.
Former Celtic centre-back Welsh has been impressing for Swansea since and midfielder Watt is playing for Samsunspor, but has not been helped by a two-match ban from the Scottish Football Association.
Brondby’s Kent-born former Scotland Under-16 centre-back Luis Binks is another new name who could feature.
Brown feels Scotland fans will need to be patient with Pocognoli.
“He needs time to find out his best team, his best formation, how he’s going to play, because what he sees in games in England and Scotland, it’s maybe different from what he’s going to ask players to do,” the former Celtic midfielder said.
“So he’s got to have the trust in players and the understanding, but also he’s got to have a relationship with these players as well.
“He’s got a brand new backroom staff as well, so everyone’s got to gel together.”
