SCOTT BROWN has been given the green light to lead out Scotland in this week's internationals against Northern Ireland and Gibraltar.

The Celtic skipper needed attention to his right ankle - which was already strapped up - during the first half of Saturday's 3-0 win over Dundee United.

But Brown managed to see out the 90 minutes, and manager Ronny Deila was happy to report he is fit and raring to go for Scotland in Wednesday's friendly and Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier.

James Forrest - who was left of the bench at the weekend - is also ready to resume his international career.

His exclusion was part of a carefully-managed return to peak fitness as the winger had played the full match against United in midweek and 20 minutes as a substitute the previous weekend in the League Cup final.

Gordon Strachan will also be delighted at the form of Hoops keeper, Craig Gordon, who has reported for Scotland duty with three consecutive clean sheets in a week behind him.

Jackie McNamara was disappointed the 32-year-old was not put under more pressure at the weekend, but the United boss conceded his side has simply run out steam.

He said: "The players need a break. It's been a tough period for us. With the four games against Celtic - three in six days - physically and mentally, one or two boys are walking wounded.

"I thought we lacked a bit of belief in the first half on Saturday. But in the second I was happy with the response. We didn't fold, stuck to it, and had one or two opportunities, which we didn't take."

McNamara means to make the most of the break, although there is still some unfinished business to attend to this week as Ryan McGowan's appeal against his red card in last week's Scottish Cup replay against Celtic is due to be heard.

If this fails, the Aussie - who was free to play at the weekend because the hearing could not be arranged before the game - will be out for their league match against Ross County on April 4.

With United in freefall in the race to win a Europa League spot next season, McNamara knows how important it is to have all hands to the pump.

He said: "It has been a disappointing run of games and results. It's important we focus and try to build and chase Inverness above us."