Monday 6 November 2017 18:07, UK
The quality of Scotland's players quickly impressed Eric Black during their preparations ahead of Thursday's international friendly against the Netherlands, live on Sky Sports.
The Southampton coach is working alongside interim manager Malky Mackay, who is in temporary charge of the national team until the Scottish FA find a replacement for former boss Gordon Strachan.
Black admits he was ignorant to the quality within Scotland and believes there is "no question" some members of the squad could play in the Premier League.
"I have to plead a little bit of ignorance because it is so quick down in the Premier League, you are constantly looking at the opposition. I only see highlights and bits and pieces (of Scottish football)," said Black.
"But I was really impressed in terms of the quality. I know it is a young squad but even the ones that have been here, the attitude was outstanding.
"I know it is only one session, it might be a big statement but there are certainly players there who can play in the Premier League, no question.
"They handled the ball well, I saw players who played with their head up and even in the tight areas we worked in - and I used the same sizes I use in the Premier League - the ball started to circulate within the first two or three minutes and the ball was kept moving.
"I think because we haven't qualified we get caught in a negative cycle and I am probably party to that as well. But there are good players there. The levels are going up and Celtic are helping to raise the bar playing Champions League football.
"I was really encouraged by what I saw. Fantastic. I am really pleased to be up."
Black understands Scotland are "not in a good enough position" ahead of Euro 2020 and has urged the players to "maximise" every opportunity they get ahead of the tournament in order to avoid further disappointment of missing out on a major tournament.
"Malky and I spoke about that," the former Aberdeen striker said. "We can only get two or three points across and drill those and back them up with footage. We can't reinvent the wheel in two sessions, that's not going to happen.
"The long-term programme is 2020 and we need to make sure we are prepared. We are not in a good enough position as a national team to waste any games, whether it be a friendly or whatever, we need to maximise everything.
"They [Holland] are a top team with top players all over. But when you see the energy at training and the quality of young players, it is a chance for young players. And Malky said to them: 'Go and be the next one to get 50 caps. You are the best players available to Scotland at the moment so relish it'."
