Friday 11 November 2016 21:42, UK
Former Scotland skipper Paul Lambert reckons the return of Scott Brown to international duty will provide a boost to the team.
The Celtic midfielder announced he was returning to the Scotland set up in October just two months after retiring from the national squad.
Brown's decision came after a season interrupted by injury, but he has been in good form for Celtic under Brendan Rodgers since the start of the campaign and has had a change of heart.
Scotland boss Gordon Strachan was delighted at Brown's decision, and the 31-year-old is almost certain to start Friday's World Cup Qualifier against England at Wembley.
"I think he will come back in. It's important for him and Scotland as a whole that he comes back in," Lambert told Sky Sports News HQ.
"You don't come out of retirement if you are not going to play and it's a boost for Scotland to get him in the side.
"It will be Gordon's decision what he wants to do but it will be good for him. I hope it's for more than just one game.
"If you come out of retirement I think you have to try and see the campaign through. Hopefully Scott has made that decision, which is probably right for himself and right for Gordon and Scotland. Hopefully it's just not for one game."
Scotland go into the Group F encounter having picked up just one point from their last two matches against Lithuania and Slovakia, a situation which has led to criticism of Strachan.
Lambert reckons the occasion at Wembley means there will be expectation on both Strachan and England counterpart Gareth Southgate though.
"I think you can place Scotland v England anywhere, whatever sport it is, there is going to be that rivalry. It's always going to be there," Lambert said.
"Scotland will go down there and give it a right good go. I don't think they have anything to fear going to England to play them, especially at Wembley, it's a great occasion.
"But I think any sport you play, Scotland v England there is always that little bit extra added to it.
"As a football manager you are under pressure every single game. Gordon knows the game, he's not a novice at it. He's an experienced guy, he was a great player in his day, and done well with the national team.
"I think the couple of games beforehand has put the pressure on him, but Scotland v England there is pressure anyway.
"From a Scotland point of view I'd love them to win. I think it's going to be difficult, a really tough game going down there, but it's a game the lads can go and enjoy, and play without any fear.
"I think England will feel a bit of pressure as well, because they will know they have to win as well. Gareth knows he will have to get a win.
"It's closer than what a lot of people think. Scotland will go down there and enjoy the occasion."
