SIR Alex Ferguson’s aura at Manchester United remains undiminished. 

Four years after heading into retirement, Scottish football’s greatest ever manager is still held in high esteem by those who worked under him. 

Few would describe Ferguson as wholly representative of the Scots as a race but, as he prepares to head north to take on his old boss’ countrymen at Hampden, Chris Smalling knows it would be a mistake to underestimate any nation that can produce such a fiery and passionate character.

Smalling was part of the England side that won 3-1 in a Celtic Park friendly three years ago and is happy to return to Scotland, with Gareth Southgate’s men hoping to clinch the victory that would all but secure their passage to next summer’s World Cup finals in Russia.    

“I see Sir Alex from time to time still,” said the 27 year-old who Ferguson signed for United from Fulham seven years ago. “When we travel away to the European games, he is often on our plane. We get to see him after games and it’s a huge boost to see him. We’re lucky on our trips that we get to see the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex and that just raises your game. I know the intensity Sir Alex brought [as a Scot] and our game at Celtic Park.

“That was a very good performance from England, but I remember the atmosphere and that is something that I am looking forward to again. You can see with the table it’s a big game and the fact we play a home nation makes it even bigger.”

With Wayne Rooney omitted from the squad, Smalling is likely to be the only United player to start for England. 

The defender thinks it will not be long before Marcus Rashford, the teenage striker, is a regular starter. 

Smalling says Rashford has what it takes to become one of the best players of his generation.

“The world is Marcus’ oyster,” he added. “He could be one of the best. You forget how old he is and how few games he’s played.

“He has everything. He is strong, he’s quick and his temperament is fantastic. 

“He is a kid who just wants to play, whether he is in the changing room, or in his room kicking balls around and knocking things over. He’s a talent. He seems unfazed by anything. He’s led our line in big games and full credit to him.”

RASHFORD seems unfussed by all the commotion and gave the impression of someone more than comfortable dealing with the hype coming his way.

“My all-round game has gone to another level,” he said. “And the way my brain thinks in certain situations on the pitch is different to a year ago.”

There is disappointment on his part that Rooney is not with him in the squad. 

“Knowing Wayne, it’s nowhere near over for him and England given his ability,” added the 19-year-old. “He’s got a lot to do in his career. Wayne is a massive influence on the whole squad, not just the young ones. I’m sure he’ll back soon.”

Rashford spoke diplomatically about what he expects from the hosts should he make it on to the Hampden pitch at some point.

“Scotland are a good team and they have a lot of good qualities that we have to respect,” he added.

“Going up there we have to think about what they can bring to the table. But we have to go into the game confident that we’re going to go there and win. No matter who the opponent is that’s the attitude we have to have.

“Trying to improve their qualification chances might be an extra incentive for the Scotland players to go out and perform. 

“But we just have to concentrate on ourselves. We have to respect their qualities. We’d expect them to be up for it. Any international game is always competitive and we expect nothing else going to Scotland.

“It will be one of the toughest [atmospheres] that I’ll have faced but I hope that’s the case as it’s another experience to tick off the list.”