New Scotland caps can look forward, says James McFadden

Coach James McFadden believes the new-look Scotland squad will benefit from not having been part of the 2018 World Cup qualifying failure.

There are six first-time call-ups chosen by Alex McLeish for the friendly double-header against Costa Rica and Hungary as he begins his second tenure as national team manager.

Swansea striker Oli McBurnie, Wolves full-back Barry Douglas and Hibernian midfielder Dylan McGeouch were among six new faces named initially – the latter withdrew with a groin complaint on Monday afternoon – along with Hearts goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna and Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, Celtic defender Jack Hendry was a later inclusion in place of injured Rangers defender Russell Martin.

McLeish replaced Gordon Strachan after his former Aberdeen and Scotland team-mate departed in October following another failed qualification attempt and McFadden believes a freshness in playing personnel is important.

McFadden said: “It is new for them. Instead of dwelling on the last campaign, most of the squad wasn’t involved in it. They don’t have anything to dwell on, only something to look forward to.

“The younger ones have to have a belief and freedom to express themselves.

“It is going to be difficult but I am excited about the challenge. We have to look at them. We need to see them in game situations.

“We won’t be throwing caps about it will be for guys who deserve it. We have a big squad and we need to use every bit of it. We maybe try different formations and different personnel within that.”

However, McFadden does not believe that radical action is required as he looks further ahead to the inaugural Nations League tournament, which will see Scotland compete with Israel and Albania in the autumn.

The 34-year-old, who played under McLeish in his first spell as Scotland manager, said: “I don’t think there is a lot needed change but you have to look at other players.

“I would envisage the squad which start the Nations League games could be different so this is a chance for guys to go and nail their place in the squad and then the team.

“We have to use the friendlies for what they are,  seeing other players and what they can do because we know what the guys involved in the last campaign can do.”