McFadden: New caps can look forward
Coach James McFadden believes that the new-look Scotland squad will benefit from not having been part of the World Cup qualifying failure.
There are six first-time callups chosen by Alex McLeish for the double-header against Costa Rica (tomorrow) and Hungary (Tuesday) as he begins his second tenure as national boss.
Swansea striker Oli McBurnie, Wolves full-back Barry Douglas, Hearts goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna and Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay are all on board, along with Celtic defender Jack Hendry, a later inclusion in place of injured Russell Martin.
Ex-Sunderland player McFadden, 34, said: “It is new for them. Instead of dwelling on the last campaign, most of the squad wasn’t involved in it. “They don’t have anything to dwell on, only something to look forward to. “The younger ones have to have a belief and freedom to express themselves. “It is going to be difficult, but I am excited about the challenge. We have to look at them. We need to see them in game situations. “We won’t be throwing caps about – it will be for guys who deserve it. We have a big squad and need to use every bit of it.
“We may try different formations and different personnel within that.”
However, McFadden does not believe that radical action is required ahead of the inaugural Nations League tournament, with Scotland facing Israel and Albania in the autumn.
He added: “I’d envisage the squad which start the Nations League could be different, so thisisachanceforguystogoand nail their place in the squad.”