STEWART Regan, the SFA chief executive, believes Scotland have an opportunity to boost their chances of qualifying for the Euro 2020 finals through the inaugural UEFA Nations League after being drawn to play Albania and Israel.

The national team, who are currently without a manager after Michael O’Neill turned down the chance, will played their Group One League C matches in the new tournament in September, October and November this year.

Regan, who attended the draw in Lausanne, Switzerland, yesterday along with SFA president Alan McRae, revealed the governing body would look to line up two international friendly matches against major footballing nations in League A and B after being put in a three team group.

"Albania and Israel are two tough opponents,” he said. “Albania qualified for Euro 2016 so it'll be competitive. We've never played Albania and Tirana will be a difficult venue, but we've played Israel back in the 80s.

"They would appear to be winnable matches and if we win the group it'll take us through to the final 16 for the play-offs in the event we don't qualify through the normal qualification route. It's a great opportunity to go forward.”

Regan added: "The three-team group gives us two extra dates for friendly matches and we'll be exploring those opportunities.

"We'll look at the teams in Leagues A and B, which are both three-team groups, and if the dates marry up and we have the opportunity to play friendlies against one of the teams from League A or League B we'd take that opportunity.”

Regan also admitted the SFA would consider staging the Nations League games against Albania and Israel at venues other than Hampden due to the fact they may not attract large crowds.

"We'll debate where the games are,” he said. “We need to sit down and decide that. Hampden's the national stadium and they're qualification matches but it's something we'll give some thought to.”

Meanwhile, Regan admitted the SFA board would discuss the future of Hampen next week. The lease for the stadium expires following the Euro 2020 finals and the governing body are currently considering whether to take up the option to extend it. He said: "There is meeting of board next week and deciding what to do next. There's no fixed timescale on it.”