Chance for youngsters to seize the opportunity

James McFadden concedes that Scotland’s loss will be Celtic’s gain after insisting he understands Scott Brown’s decision to quit international football.

McFadden, 34, is expected to be confirmed as part of Alex McLeish’s coaching staff with the national team in the coming weeks.

However he will not be working with the Hoops skipper, who has decided to focus on his club career after winning 55 caps.

The former St Johnstone attacker acknowledges Brown’s decision is a major blow to new boss McLeish, nevertheless he accepts that the combative midfielder is determined to star for Celtic for as long as possible.

McFadden said: “Once there are doubts in his mind that playing for Scotland could mean his form suffers and physically he could feel tired – when that creeps in then maybe it is time to take the step back. I can totally understand why he has done it.

“He is going to be a huge loss because the football he has been playing in the last yearand-a-half has been excellent, even as recently as the game against Zenit St Petersburg where I thought he was outstanding.

“This is football and there is a cycle and now it is up to the younger players to come in and push for a place.

Indeed, McFadden is bolstered by the strength in depth available to McLeish.

From experienced campaigners such as James Morrison, James McArthur and Matt Ritchie, to a new generation including the likes of John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Callum McGregor and, potentially, Scott McTominay, there is no shortage of options.

McFadden continued: “It is a strong area of the pitch and there has already been a clamour for the likes of John McGinn, Callum McGregor, Stuart Armstrong. There are players ready to come in and, although they won’t be at the level of Scott Brown right now, it’s a chance for them.”

James McFadden says young players must stake a claim.