ALEX NEIL is confident his Norwich stars will be ready to shine for Scotland come the end of a gruelling Championship campaign.

Defenders Russell Martin and Steven Whittaker have been mainstays of the Canaries side that have moved to within touching distance of a place in the English Premier League under former Hamilton boss Neil.

With just two games left this season, Norwich can still clinch the second tier title or win automatic promotion, but they could be left to bid for a top flight spot through the play-offs.

That would see Martin and Whittaker potentially play another three games this term, with the play-off final scheduled for Wembley on Monday, May 25.

The pair will then have to keep themselves up to speed ahead of the friendly clash with Qatar on June 5 before Gordon Strachan's side face the Republic of Ireland on June 13.

Neil told SportTimes: "The fact that Gordon has turned the national team around is great.

"You want your players to go on international duty and perform well rather than struggle.

"They are under a regime that is doing very well and they are coming back each time with a spring in their step.

"Scotland are in a good place at the moment and the boys are in a good place as well. When they go away, if they are doing well that helps.

"The players are really professional, I don't need to get on at them about anything.

"They will get themselves ready and they will be fully prepared for the two games if selected.

"I know it means a great deal to them to play for their country so they will be in the best possible shape.

"Hopefully once those games are done, we will get them a bit of rest before pre-season kicks off."