Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara believes Scotland match-winner and former team-mate Shaun Maloney has developed into one of the country’s best performers.
The Wigan player’s stunning 88th minute free-kick earned the national team a 2-1 win over Macedonia in Skopje on Tuesday night and McNamara, who played with the winger at Celtic for more than five seasons suggests Maloney’s performances are making it difficult for Gordon Strachan to leave him out.
Indeed, McNamara believes Maloney could well be on his way to becoming one of the first names on Strachan’s team sheet.
“It was a brilliant goal by Shaun,” he said.
“He played well and he’s always been capable of that. I’ve known him a long time and he’s always been a very good technical player with his set-pieces and deliveries.
“As soon as he lined it up yesterday I knew he was scoring. He’s been doing it in the Premier League in England and that’s been great for him.
“It’s his second goal for his country, his last was against the Faroes a few years ago now, and he will be delighted to get that late winner.
“You could see by the look on his face how much it meant to him. It’s obviously a good feeling for him. He can be a really big player for Scotland now.
“He’s had injury problems over the years but he’s shown the last couple of years that especially at Wigan he’s on top form, he’s settled and he’s playing some really good football in a good side.
“I’m delighted for Shaun and he really suits the role he was given in Macedonia.
“He wasn’t stuck out too wide, he was given a bit of freedom and he’s an intelligent enough footballer to make the most of that kind of role. I think he was excellent but I thought the whole team was excellent.”
McNamara, who earned 33 caps for Scotland in his career, also believes recent performances are proof of the country’s progression under Strachan.
“There’s the England game and the Croatia game and there’s been a massive improvement,” he added.
“We passed the ball really well and we looked a real threat going forward which is important. Gordon had lost a few players since the England game and changed a few things around, bringing the likes of Ikechi Anya in.
“I though Anya was really good down the left hand side, so there’s some good problems for Gordon. I’d seen him playing for Watfordbut I’d never seen him playing in that role before but he was good to watch.
“Confidence will be high after that and let’s hope it augurs well for Scotland.”