LEE WALLACE has a great chance of starting in Scotland's final World Cup qualifier against Croatia later this month.

That was the message from national boss Gordon Strachan today after he named the Rangers left-back in his squad for the Hampden international.

Steven Whittaker is suspended for a match after picking up a booking in the 2-1 victory over Macedonia in Skopje last month.

Wallace came on for his former Gers team-mate towards the end of that morale-boosting away victory and performed well.

And now the 26-year-old is in line to start for his country in their next competitive outing in Glasgow on Tuesday week.

The seven-times capped defender was only called into the last Scotland squad after a series of injury call-offs.

It had been suggested by many he would be unable to make the step up to international football because he is playing in the third tier of the Scottish game.

But the former Hearts man nearly netted a late goal against Macedonia and is in his manager's thoughts for this outing.

"Lee did well against Macedonia," enthused Strachan. "I wondered why he was raiding down his wing when we were only one goal up in the last couple of minutes.

"It seemed strange at the time. I was a bit nervous at times wondering where he was going. But it was good.

"I liked it. It looked very positive from where I was standing.

"That is what I have been encouraging my players to do. To do something when they get on, to make a mark, to leave something to remember you by.

"I want to see more players coming in and doing something to remember them by. Lee has got a chance of starting in the absence of Whittaker."

Meanwhile, Strachan has stressed on-form Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes has got every chance of being involved with Scotland against Croatia.

The former Celtic boss caused controversy before the Macedonia game when he suggested Rhodes was not suited to the national team.

The 23-year-old has now netted nine goals in eight matches and Strachan is pleased to have the prolific hit man at his disposal.

But the Scotland gaffer reiterated that he has to develop his game before he can start matches.

He said: "If he played for a team that was getting 30 crosses into the box in a game he would be fine, but we aren't one of those teams.

"He has to learn how to be a better player. But that can come.

"I am sure he will get better as an all-round player with time.

"Steven Naismith is not an out-and-out striker. But he helped players around him get opportunities to score in the game against Macedonia. Jordan will bring that to his game in time."

SCOTLAND SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Matt Gilks Blackpool

David Marshall Cardiff City

Allan McGregor Hull City

Defenders

Gordon Greer Brighton

Grant Hanley Blackburn

Alan Hutton Aston Villa

Russell Martin Norwich

Charlie Mulgrew Celtic

Lee Wallace Rangers

Midfielders

Charlie Adam Stoke City

Ikechi Anya Watford

Barry Bannan Crystal Palace

Scott Brown Celtic

Craig Bryson Derby County

Chris Burke Birmingham

Graham Dorrans West Brom

James Morrison West Brom

James McArthur Wigan

Robert Snodgrass Norwich

Forwards

George Boyd Hull City

Leigh Griffiths Wolves

Ross McCormack Leeds

Steven Naismith Everton

Jordan Rhodes Blackburn