Stuart Armstrong says it will be a special moment when he leads the Scotland Under-21 side out against Hungary at Tannadice.
The Dundee United midfielder revealed it came as a big surprise when international boss Billy Stark first asked him to wear the armband. However, as one of the “senior statesmen” in what is now a youthful squad, it is a role he is revelling in.
He said: “Usually the Under-21s play at St Mirren which is a nice park but it is good to be up here and close to home, playing at a ground I am familiar with.
“It is always an honour to lead the team out, especially for your country. I have had the privilege of doing it a couple of times at home for the club and every time it’s special.
“I never really saw myself as a captain so I was quite surprised to be asked.
“Billy asked me when we went over to Marbella to play a few games in a little tournament. Myself and Ryan Jack captained the side. Jacko got injured and it fell to me and I have remained skipper since.
“I am not too loud or shout a lot like some other captains do. I maybe try to lead more by example. Looking back, when I first came in to the Under-21s, there were a lot of older players who had played at that level before.
“Now I feel quite old in comparison to some of the boys who are here. But it is nice to be able to help some of the younger boys come through.”
Armstrong had hoped to have United team-mates Ryan Gauld and John Souttar with him as he led the side out but the duo have withdrawn because of injury.
When asked if he felt for the pair, Armstrong said: “Yes, especially for Soapy (Souttar) as this was the first time he had been called up. It is disappointing they have missed out as it would have been beneficial to have them in the team.”
Another United youngster, Andy Robertson is also on international duty after being elevated to the senior Scotland squad for the friendly in Poland.
And Armstrong admits the 19-year-old full-back’s meteoric rise acts as an inspiration to himself and others at Tannadice.
He added: “I think if Andy is given the chance, he will do well in that environment. Playing on the international stage will not faze him as that is the sort of boy he is.
“It is thoroughly deserved and earned and I hope he enjoys it. Andy has performed exceptionally well since he came to Tannadice.
“He is very level-headed and that is one of the big attributes he has. He doesn’t get too carried away with himself.
“He trains the way he plays and that never differs. There was a bit of good natured banter when he got the call but everyone at the club is just really happy for him.
“He has made the position his own at United and I don’t see why he can’t do the same with Scotland. His call-up shows there is a great incentive there for younger boys like myself to make the step up.
“You know the chance is available if you put the performances in.”
The Under-21s have it all to do in their European qualifying campaign, currently sitting in fourth place in Group 3.
However, Armstrong insists everyone in the squad believes it can still be a successful campaign.
He said: “I definitely wouldn’t say it was over. We have maybe put a wee bit more pressure on ourselves to pull off results but we remain optimistic.
“We will just take each game as it comes starting with the friendly on Wednesday night. It is an important game and we will be looking for a good performance to take into the main match against Holland in May.
“It is a relatively new squad so it is a great chance for us all to get to know one another.”