Lee McCulloch says he will 'take it on the chin' should he have to settle for a place on the bench against Italy.
Scotland v Italy live on Sky Sports 1 from 4pm on Saturday
Lee McCulloch is itching to play in Scotland's crucial clash against Italy, but insists he will 'take it on the chin' should he have to settle for a place on the bench.
The Scots host Roberto Donadoni's men on Saturday knowing a win would secure qualification to next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland.
The encounter is one of the biggest matches in Scotland's recent football history, with every player desperate to earn a starting XI place.
And McCulloch, who netted his first international goal in the 3-1 win over Ukraine from a cleverly worked free-kick, admits that he is eager to play and has emphasized the importance of utilising set-pieces.
"My first goal was a big thing for me," he said.
Switched on
"That's it out of the way now so hopefully there will be a couple more to come.
"Set-plays are very important, just like in every other international game and UEFA Champions League game and we need to be switched on.
"I'm sure the manager and staff have got something up their sleeves.
"Of course everybody wants to play but it's a squad game and somebody has to be left out.
"If it's me I will take it on the chin but obviously I want to play."
