Motherwell boss Graham Alexander says he expects Stephen O'Donnell to retain his place in the Scotland team, despite growing clamour for Rangers kid Nathan Patterson to be called up.
The 19-year-old has impressed for Stephen Gerrard's Premiership champions this season, but has so far only been involved at under-21 level for Scotland.
But Alexander told BBC Scotland that O'Donnell is the best right-back for Steve Clarke.
He said: "Just being at a top club does not make you the best player in that position.
"Patterson has been playing in the best team in Scotland by far, they haven't been beaten domestically and have the majority of possession, while Stephen O'Donnell plays for a team that doesn't do that, and has to defend a lot and compete.
"I would suggest that's the way Scotland are going to have to play in this tournament - they are not going to be the top team with the most possession, and always attacking."
However, Alexander did concede that Patterson, and Sheffield United star Liam Palmer, would provide adequate back-up to O'Donnell.
He said: "There's a group of players outside that squad at the moment that are perfectly capable of being inside it, and Patterson is certainly one of them.
"But I believe O'Donnell has proved his worth to both the manager and the team by performing week in, week out - first for his club and every time he has been called upon for Scotland.
"Stephen O'Donnell and Declan Gallagher have been in there for a while now, and they've proved their worth to the manager and the team by helping Scotland qualify."
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