The Ibrox youngster is just one of a number of highly-rated prospects who have won promotion from Ricky Sbragia's successful Under-19 squad for tomorrow's friendly in Portugal, with usual Under-21 boss Billy Stark in charge of the main squad instead due to Craig Levein's sacking.

Macleod and former Celtic forward Feruz are both graduates from the recent European mini-tournament which saw the impressive young Scots win all three of their games against Romania, Switzerland and Armenia.

The highlight of the tournament was Feruz's perfect hat-trick against the Swiss in Falkirk with his left foot, right foot and head.

The pair may now team up for the match against the talented Portuguese in Setubal, along with Celtic's John Herron and Everton's Matthew Kennedy who have been called up. And the Ibrox midfielder is convinced the Somalian-born 17-year-old can live up to his hype.

He said: "Islam is a brilliant player and I think that game where he scored the hat-trick showed why Chelsea signed him.

"The three goals he scored that night were different class.

"You can see he is an outstanding performer in training. He is key to the team when we play in the Euros. If he keeps playing the way he did in the qualifiers then he has a very big future ahead of him.

"He is quick with the ball and he has got everything you want from a striker. He is a really good player with a bit of Scottish cockiness as well."

Macleod isn't doing too badly himself this season and has become an integral part of Ally McCoist's squad.

He said: "I just want to keep on playing for the rest of the season.

"I am surprised at the number of games I have played because at the start of the season I was hoping for the odd sub appearance.

"But the gaffer has put faith in me and I am delighted with that.

"I think it helps having youngsters in the team because we have played together through the youth system.

"It's a help playing with guys you know so well.

"The three coaches have given me a lot of confidence."