I was at Rangers when John Fleck first broke through into the team and people were talking about him going on to be a mainstay for club and country for years to come.

I am delighted to see him in the squad for the match with Israel and I hope it is the first of many call-ups he gets and that he can establish himself with Scotland now.

John burst onto the scene as a teenager and he really kicked on but his progression slowed slightly before he got the chance to move down south.

That has proven to be the making of him. He has matured as a player and a person, he has got children now, and he has developed into a very effective midfielder.

He can play in that holding role or he can move forward and he is a more all-rounded and accomplished footballer.

When it comes to international football, people maybe look at him and think he isn’t physical enough because he isn’t the tallest.

But when the ball is on the ground, he is tough tackling and he is skilful. He is quick, he can pass and, if he can add goals to his game, he could well go on to be a really important player for Scotland.

I am really pleased to see him get the call-up and I know he won’t let Alex McLeish down if he gets his full international debut at Hampden tonight.