Owen Coyle will be monitoring the Scottish football market as Blackburn Rovers manager, with Dundee’s Greg Stewart one player who has already “caught the eye”.
The former St Johnstone boss has had the opportunity to watch the in-demand forward close-up at the Austrian training base Rovers are sharing with the Dark Blues.
And Coyle, speaking exclusively to Courier Sport, believes the versatile attacker, who has been linked with the likes of Rangers, Leeds and Aberdeen, is an example of a vibrant scene north of the border.
“Wherever I go I’ve always bought Scottish players,” said Coyle, recently appointed at Ewood Park.
“I’ll always look at the Scottish market. I’ve got Grant Hanley here just now, who is the club captain.
“The traits and qualities of the Scottish player are definitely something you want in your team.
“We’ve always punched above our weight as a country and you see that in the players.”
Taking in Paul Hartley’s training sessions during his side’s down-time has convinced the ex-Bolton, Burnley and Wigan boss that good times await both Dundee and Scottish football.
Coyle added: “I watched Dundee train yesterday and the young lad Stewart looks a really good player.
“I saw 15 minutes of Paul’s session and I was really impressed by the stuff he was doing with the boys.
“There were certainly one or two players who caught the eye and Stewart is certainly a fantastic player-and they look to have a few more like that, which is great for Dundee.
“I’m excited. I genuinely believe Scotland can qualify for the World Cup and that will help our clubs as well.”
