Callum Davidson fears St Johnstone’s slow start to the campaign wrecked skipper Jason Kerr’s chances of answering a Scotland SOS.
Six stars were ruled out of the Euro 2020 penalty shoot-out win over Israel by injury and the Covid-19 protocols.
Aberdeen midfielder Ross McCrorie (22) and Hibs defender Paul McGinn (29) have got the call to join Steve Clarke’s squad for Nations League ties beckoning with Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
McDiarmid manager Davidson, who was a coach in the Scotland set-up under Gordon Strachan, suspects Saints’ troubled start to the campaign counted against U/21 cap Kerr (23) being contacted by Clarke.
“If you look at how Jason has performed this season he has to be up there as a contender,” said Davidson.
“He has been very solid in a back three, playing right centre half.
“He also has the ability to step in and get forward to create chances, and he scored in midweek.
“Congratulations to those who have been called-up.
“Jason’s chances of being called into the Scotland squad have probably been hampered by our position in the league rather than the way he has been playing.
“But if Scotland continue to play a back three in future I’m sure Jason will be a strong candidate.”
Davidson’s immediate priority is another Betfred Cup clash, with Brechin City following on from a 2-1 midweek win away to Kelty Hearts.
“Injury-wise it was all-clear from the midweek game, everyone came through it. That’s good news,” he said.
“I will probably utilise the squad again. It might be on the smaller side but it is a strong squad.
“It was good to get game time into Callum Booth, Chris Kane and Craig Bryson. They will possibly get more minutes but we have to make sure the balance is right.
“We want to win the game obviously and no matter what team I put out I will feel comfortable with it.”
Davidson has warned his players that the League Two outfit showed quality despite losing 6-2 to Dundee United in midweek.
“We had Brechin watched against Dundee United and I have seen some footage.
“They are an attacking team and had some great chances in the first-half. They will have a go so we have to make sure we put in a professional, disciplined performance.”
