VERY SOON says MATTHEW LINDSAY

VERY SOON says MATTHEW LINDSAY

GORDON Strachan is right to bring Lewis Macleod into his Scotland squad for the games against the Republic of Ireland and England.

Being a part of the national set-up for these massive matches will be an invaluable experience for the talented youngster.

He could even get a first run-out for his country in the friendly with the Auld Enemy at Celtic Park a week tomorrow.

When he breaks into Strachan's side - as he will inevitably do in the future if he continues to progress - he will know what to expect.

But Macleod is only 20 and has a bit to go before he establishes himself at full international level.

The midfield is one of the strongest departments of the Scotland team at the moment.

The likes of Ikechi Anya, Barry Bannan, Scott Brown, Darren Fletcher, James Morrison, Charlie Mulgrew, James McArthur and others are all vying for a start.

Macleod will benefit enormously from being involved this week and his knowledge and confidence as a player will improve as a result.

NOT YET says JOHN McGILL

LEWIS MACLEOD has been a star performer for Rangers in all of the competitions they have competed in this season.

He netted his eighth goal of the campaign in the 4-0 victory over Falkirk at Ibrox on Saturday.

Two of those strikes came against Premiership opposition -Inverness Caledonian Thistle and St. Johnstone in the League Cup.

The SPFL's Young Player of the Month for October is undoubtedly an exciting prospect and will represent Scotland at some stage in the future.

But the 20-year-old midfielder is far from the finished article and has some way to go before he can be considered for selection to the national team.

He is hardly going to be picked by Gordon Strachan to start ahead of established internationalists and experienced professionals such as Scott Brown, Darren Fletcher and James Morrison.

Plus, he is playing in the second tier of Scottish football, often against part-time opponents.

Games against Cowdenbeath, Dumbarton and Alloa Athletic are no preparation for a Euro 2016 qualifier in front of 60,000 fans.

A season or two in the top flight will help get him up to the required standard for Scotland.

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