Keith Lasley believes Liam Kelly won't have to wait long for a Scotland call-up after missing out on the EURO's.
The 25 year-old enjoyed a brilliant loan spell at Motherwell after joining from Queens Park Rangers in January and Lasley admits everyone at the Fir Park club were disappointed that he wasn't named in the squad.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke remained loyal and decided to select the experienced trio of David Marshall, Craig Gordon and Jon McLaughlin for this summer's tournament.
Kelly's outstanding performances for the Steelmen earned him the Players' Player of the Year award and 'Well coach Lasley says the former Rangers stopper must have provided Clarke a real dilemma.
“I’m pretty sure that he was in his thoughts,” Lasley said. “I don’t know for certain but I’m pretty sure that he would have been given the form that he’s been in.
“From within the club, we were a little bit disappointed that Liam wasn’t on the fringes {of the squad}.
“I think Liam is highly regarded within the Scottish game. Steve Clarke and his staff will have been fully aware of his attributes but the goalkeeping department is a strong one.
All three of Scotland's goalkeepers this summer are in their 30's and Lasley believes that Kelly can propel himself into the squad in the future.
He said: “I thought that Liam would have had a little sneak of getting in the squad as the third goalkeeper but it wasn’t to be.
“Allan McGregor obviously isn’t involved but you look at the three goalkeepers; Gordon, Marshall and McLaughlin - it’s a strong department.
“Liam is still young enough, hungry enough - I know that for a fact - and most importantly, he’s got the ability to play at that level.
“I’m almost certain that it’s just a matter of time before Liam pushes his way into the Scotland squad."
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