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National coach Stuart McCall backs Celtic duo to shine forScotland

Stuart Armstrong Gary Mackay-Steven
Image: Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven: Impressive starts to Celtic careers

Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven could feature for Scotland in their games against Northern Ireland and Gibraltar later this month after making impressive starts to their careers with Celtic.

Both players hit the ground running at the Parkhead club following their transfer deadline day move from Dundee United and have already scored two goals apiece, catching the eye of Stuart McCall, who is part of Gordon Strachan’s Scotland coaching staff.

Midfielder Armstrong, 22, has yet to win his first cap although he has been in previous squads, while winger Mackay-Steven, 24, made a substitute appearance against the United States in a friendly at Hampden in November, 2013.

Scotland host Northern Ireland in a friendly at Hampden on March 25 before resuming their European qualifying campaign at home to Gibraltar on March 29.

When asked if Armstrong and Mackay-Steven had given him something to think about in terms of breaking into the national team for those games, McCall said: "I'm sure they have.

"When we get the likes of Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven playing for Celtic in Europe, and not only playing, playing well and standing out in those games it benefits them. So without a doubt.

"Celtic have a strong squad so for Stuart and Gary to maintain being first team regulars, that will be an important factor as well.

"They both got off to a great start, obviously Gary scoring a terrific goal on Sunday. Both are playing with lots of confidence and it is great to see."

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