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Ally expects chances for Gers

Ally McCoist believes his players will be given the same opportunity as anyone else to stake a claim for a place in the Scotland squad.

Last Updated: 16/01/13 at 16:18 Post Comment

Ally McCoist: Players good enough for Scotland

Ally McCoist: Players good enough for Scotland

Gordon Strachan was confirmed as Craig Levein's successor on Tuesday and his first task will be to select a squad for next month's friendly against Estonia at Pittodrie.

So far, Ian Black is the only Rangers player to feature in the national team since the club was demoted to the bottom tier of Scottish football in the summer.

Lee Wallace, who has six caps, and David Templeton are among those who have performed well for the Light Blues this term, and McCoist expects Strachan to be open-minded when assessing his options.

He said: "I'm certainly not going to attempt to tell him how to pick his squad or his team.

"What I would say is, I think if our players deserve to be in the international squad, I don't see any reason why Gordon wouldn't pick them. I'm sure he would."

Strachan was quickly installed as the bookmakers' favourite for the Scotland job after Levein was relieved of his duties in early November.

McCoist welcomed the appointment of the former Coventry, Southampton, Celtic and Middlesbrough boss.

He said: "I'm delighted. Eventually we have Gordon in charge.

"He was the man for the job for the majority of people.

"I know Gordon reasonably well and I think he will do a great job. I'm very hopeful that Gordon can get us back on track.

"I don't think he is hungry because he has been out of the game for two years - I think Gordon is generally a hungry character in terms of wanting to do well and wanting to succeed.

"That won't have changed, I wouldn't have thought.

"I know Gordon keeps up to speed with football all over the place and he's been to games during his time out of management.

"It certainly won't be a problem.

"The one thing we will get is somebody taking the national team who will be really keen and has a desire to do well for the team and the country."

As well as his 61 appearances as a player, McCoist also worked as a coach for the national team when Walter Smith was manager.

He added: "The biggest problem, most international managers would tell you, is the lack of time.

"Gordon, being used to club management, will be used to dealing with players on a daily basis.

"That, of course, won't be the case with the international team.

"I think Gordon, like most international managers, would want more time available to spend with his players. But I'm sure he will adapt and handle that fine."

McCoist does not believe Strachan's decision to base himself in England should be a problem.

He said: "Not for me. He should be happy where he lives and he obviously wants to live in England.

"They say the world is a small place now and so is the UK.

"Gordon can travel to games, he'll have scouts going to games. We've got players down in England and players up in Scotland.

"It's not a concern to me at all."

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