Craig Levein has expressed concern about the decision to play Scott McTominay in a defensive role for the national side.
The Manchester United midfielder was named as a starter for Scotland 's Euros playoff semi-final against Israel but Levein fears he's not suited to the role.
Manager Steve Clarke handed the 23-year-old his 15th cap, but the former Scotland boss believes his lack of defensive experience could be a problem.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound, Levein said: "He definitely has confidence in Scott McTominay playing that right side of the three centre-backs, but my worry is that this is an instinctive position which is strengthened by playing in that position on a regular basis.
"I think if he was going back to Manchester United and playing week in and week out at centre-back, or right side of a back three, then I would feel that yes, he would be improving.
"What I think is quite difficult for a young player is to go back to Manchester United and play the central midfield role and then find himself back in the Scotland team playing as a centre-back.
"It's just small margins. It's just being in the right place at the right time, smelling danger and little things that you pick up when you're doing that on a consistent basis and playing in the position on a consistent basis.
"You learn stuff just by instinct over a period of time, or maybe just by people alongside you giving you advice, and going back into that position gradually you start to feel, 'Yep, I am comfortable here. I know what I'm doing'."
