Proud Mackay not ruling himself out

“We have a longer lead-up time going into Euro 2020 now,” added Mackay.

“There will be three or four friendlies before we play that first qualifier.

“With that being the case, it gives some of the younger players a chance to stake their claims to be Scotland players.

“I looked at the squad that was available to me. I looked at some of the players that have been doing well recently.

“There are three in from Aberdeen – Kenny Mclean, Graeme Shinnie and Ryan Christie – who have all been playing well and deserve a chance.”

Scotland remain in the hunt for a new manager and Mackay, former boss of Watford, Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic, didn’t rule himself out of the running.

“This was asked the other day and the answer I gave is absolutely what any of us would give if a Scottish manager is asked to take charge of their country,” added Mackay.

“There would be very few who would say no to that.

“I have a really good and important job at the moment.

“For the next month, I’m delighted to be involved.

“I have been asked to be the interim manager so that’s as far as that goes.

“I have my day job, which is fundamentally a very important job going forward in Scotland.

“Right now it’s about preparing the group for Thursday and a lot goes into that.”

50-CAP TARGET: Continued from page 56 Malky Mackay: focused on Thursday’s game.