Craig Halkett could be of use to Scotland at both ends of the pitch, according to Robbie Neilson.
The Hearts boss watched his centre back power home a late header against Cowdenbeath at the weekend, with Halkett having previously scored against Partick Thistle in pre-season.
He was the top scorer at Tynecastle last season and has proved an effective weapon in the opposition box, often being thrown up front when the Jambos have been chasing the game.
Scotland have been struggling to register effort on target, and have come in for criticism for a lack of chances in wins over Israel and Slovakia.
Lyndon Dykes’ winner at Hampden on Sunday was the only one they managed.
With Steve Clarke set on deploying a back three however, Neilson believes the opportunity is there for Halkett to force his way into the national manager’s thinking.
“Definitely if you’re asking me,” he said. “I’ve been really, really impressed with him recently. I saw him a wee bit at Livi then I didn't see a lot of him whilst I was at Dundee United in a different league, then I came in here.
"Defensively, he reads the game very well. He's very, very powerful but he's also quick - surprisingly quick for the size of him.
“Obviously the other side of it is he's a massive threat in the opposition box, as you can see from the goals he's scored.
"I'd love him to get in it. There's a lot of good players ahead of him as well, so he just needs to continue working.
“With Scotland playing three at the back, it might give him a wee bit more of a chance to get in because they need more options there."
Halkett will likely partner Mihai Popescu in the centre of the Hearts defence tonight against Raith Rovers in the Betfred Cup.
Visiting boss John McGlynn is unlikely to take his place in the visiting dugout due to an operation he had at the weekend.
And Neilson was full of praise for a man he’s known for the duration of his career.
“I know John very, very well,” he said. “He was a youth coach here when I was here then assistant manager and he became manager for a while.
“I've spoken to him over the years numerous times, still keep in contact with him so I wish him all the best.
“I'm not sure he's going to be in the dugout tonight. Knowing John he'll be phoning the touchline, that's for sure.
“I like him as a coach, very thorough, probably the most thorough I've ever worked with and knows how to set up a team.
“He developed a lot of good players coming through here, boys who went on to have really good careers. I was pleased when he came back into management again. “
“He was at Celtic scouting and I know he really enjoyed that. but John's forte is on the training field, doing analysis, working with teams.”
Neilson also revealed that Andy Halliday and Stephen Kinglsey will definitely be involved this evening.
He added: “Andy's just had a tight thigh. He's been off for that long he's kicking the ball and it started to tighten up so we just took him out for the game.
“Kingsley had a sore throat so we had him tested to make sure and it came back negative so they are back in the squad.”
