Jambos hitman in the frame
Alex McLeish could be set to give Steven Naismith a chance to revive his Scotland career.
The Hearts striker has put himself in contention for the upcoming Nations League campaign after an impressive start to the season at Tynecastle.
Naismith’s last game for his country was in March 2017 against Slovenia and after drifting out of the picture at parent club Norwich, his 43rd cap looked like his last.
But Scotland coach James McFadden has revealed that McLeish could now turn to the 31-year- old for crucial matches against Israel and Albania.
He said: “Steven has started the season strongly for Hearts and looks sharp.
“There are places up for grabs – we need guys who are playing regularly and scoring goals.
“We have an idea of who we’re going to have in the squad but there are no guarantees.
“We’ve never said that Steven is
finished with Scotland. He’s still only 31. He went to Norwich and it didn’t work out for him.
“When he came up to Hearts last season he looked a bit short of sharpness. But he has managed to get a full pre- season and has started the campaign well.
“He’s experienced, knows how to play a number of positions and like the manager said – no one will be discounted regardless of age.
“As long as they’re playing well and eligible for Scotland, we’ll definitely have a look at them.”
Last week McLeish urged his No.1 striker Leigh Griffiths that he has to be playing regularly for Celtic to start for his country.
And McFadden believes that, as well as Naismith, there are other strikers ready to make their mark.
McFadden said: “Oli McBurnie has already been involved and has started well with Swansea.
“Jason Cummings has gone to Peterborough and scored already. Jason needs games because that’s what he’s lacked since leaving Hibs.
“If he gets fit and scores goals, he’ll be in the reckoning.
“We know what he can do so he won’t be dismissed.
“And against Mexico in the summer, Johnny Russell came in and was excellent.”