St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright believes Stevie May could be Scotland’s surprise package against Ireland in their Euro 2016 qualifier.
The former Saints hero has been selected for his second national squad in a row, after making a good impression with Gordon Strachan a few weeks ago.
The friendly with England next week would appear to be a more likely match for May to get his first cap, according to Wright.
But the Sheffield Wednesday man could also have an important part to play at Parkhead on Friday night.
Wright explained: “He could prove a good impact substitute because he is a handful and he nicks goals.
“The Republic probably wouldn’t know too much about him.
“But it is a massive game for Scotland so I would imagine he will have a better chance of getting his first cap against England.
“That would be huge for any Scot but it definitely wouldn’t faze Stevie.”
The Northern Irishman added: “I was speaking to Stuart McCall and he said they were really pleased with him when he came into the last squad.
“He settled in really well which is what I would have expected. I know they were really impressed with Stevie in training.
“With a qualifier against the Republic and the friendly with England hard on its heels hopefully he will get involved.”