European Qualifiers: Lewis Macleod determined to make most of Scotland chance
Sunday 9 November 2014 19:43, UK
Rangers midfielder Lewis Macleod is determined to take all he can from his first experience in the full Scotland squad.
The 20-year-old will spend the week training with Gordon Strachan's men ahead of their European Qualifier against the Republic of Ireland on Friday night and the friendly with England the following Tuesday.
Macleod further enhanced his reputation with his eighth goal of the season on Saturday, heading home the second goal in the 4-0 Scottish Championship win over Falkirk after meeting Jon Daly's cross on the counter-attack.
He also set up the third for Kenny Miller with a low cross to the far post as Rangers remained four points behind leaders Hearts.
Macleod admits he faces a tough task to break into the Scotland team, but he aims to make sure he gives himself every chance.
"I don't expect to play but it will be a great experience training and you couldn't get two bigger games to be involved in," Macleod said.
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"If I get any game time at all I'll be more than happy.
"It's a massive step. It was a big step playing with the 21s and it will be hard but I'm looking forward to it. It can only benefit me."
The likes of Miller and Kris Boyd have given Macleod some advice ahead of his first involvement.
"They have just told me to take it all in and enjoy every minute of it because, you never know, it could be your last time but hopefully it will be the first of many times," he said.
Macleod secured another accolade this weekend after helping Rangers win their eighth consecutive game when he was named SPFL young player of the month.
"It's been a great month and the team has played a lot better," he added.
"The call-up came as a big surprise and I'm delighted with the award too."
Watch Scotland v Republic of Ireland live on Sky Sports 5 at 7.45pm on Friday.
