GORDON Strachan has praised the elder statesmen in his Scotland side for helping to breathe life into their ailing Russia 2018 qualification bid in the last three games

Young players like Ryan Fraser, Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney have generated huge excitement among many members of the Tartan Army this year.

Meanwhile, Stuart Armstrong, who is just 25, has also done superbly since winning his first international cap in the 1-0 win over Slovenia back in March.

However, Strachan feels the displays of Christophe Berra, Scott Brown, Craig Gordon and Charlie Mulgrew have been every bit as important to his team’s resurgence.

“When we were in the bus coming back from the Lithuania match the other night we were talking about the football going forward,” he said.

“I said: ‘By the way, Berra and Charlie played well'. His running into the corners was strong, Berra. Any ball that went forward was dealt with.

“People tend to forget how important it is to win headers. When he is up there and he is knocking it back there is nothing getting flicked on that could give us a problem. Charlie was good on the ball as well. I thought they were good as well as the young lads.”

Strachan feels the more experienced members of his squad are a positive influence on their younger team mates and is hoping the likes of Fraser, Tierney and Robertson keep on taking their advice and following their example.

“There is a point where they listen to every word you say,” he said. “Then there is one game where they look at you in a certain way. Then you know it is time to pack it in.

“At this moment they are listening. Nobody has given that look yet that says ‘you’re old, pack in’. Listen, I have not got a problem with any age. I had Gordon Greer in here at whatever age it was. I have not got a problem at all. Fitness is the thing.”