ALEX McLeish has told his Scotland players they have the opportunity to write their names in the history books - by qualifying for the finals of a major tournament for the first time since France ‘98.

McLeish, who was appointed national team manager for a second time last month, wasted no time in outlining his ambitions to his squad when they met up at their base outside Edinburgh on Sunday night.

He has told them that reaching Euro 2020 is the objective ahead of a friendly double header against Costa Rica at Hampden on Friday night and then Hungary in Budapest a week today.

"It was important for the players to know what they are representing,” said Scotland assistant Peter Grant. “Alex told them that we are here to try to achieve qualification. There is no point hiding from that.

"Alex has been close before as Scotland boss and he admits it's the most hurt he's been because he wanted to get there. He hit the bar the last time, but now he wants to put the ball in the back of the net.

"The meeting lasted ten to 15 minutes. It was short and to the point. He told them that this is the reason they are here and they had the first chance at it.

“We have played really well in the past and failed to get there. What an opportunity this is. Somebody is going to do it for Scotland and hopefully it's going to be this time. Somebody is going to do it, so why can it not be you?

"They are a young hungry bunch and we've seen that in training even though they had hard games at the weekend. They've got to keep that enthusiasm.

"It's all about their performance. They come here because you want to be a success for Scotland and play against world-class players in big competitions.

“We've all seen the competitions we've missed out on and what the atmosphere is likeIt would be fantastic if Scotland supporters can be part of that again. As a player, it's a dream to do that.

"It’s been disappointing because of the players we've had. Luck has gone against us at times, bad performances at times went against us and we've got to accept that.

“It's been heart-breaking to see top quality players who have played at the highest level in league football, to not do it at international level for one reason or another is just unfortunate.

"As a supporter, when you see what the fans have got to miss out on, that's more heart-breaking. You're watching it during the summer. For these guys, to be remembered as the first guys to qualify for a tournament in a long time would be magnificent for them.”

McLeish has left many of the more experienced players out of the Scotland squad for these two games in order to have a look at some of the promising youngsters who are emerging.

Christophe Berra, the Hearts centre half who was a first choice selection towards the end of the unsuccessful Russia 2018 campaign, admitted at the weekend he was disappointed not to be involved.

But Grant confirmed the experienced defender would be in their thoughts when the inaugural Nations League starts later this year.

“Christophe has been in before,” he said. “Alex knows what he can do. We know what some of the senior guys can do. Alex thinks it is important that these young guys get a feel, first and foremost of the group, but also what’s expected of them. They may not handle it. Then, all of a sudden, he knows Christophe has been there before.

“He has been able to handle playing for Scotland so that’s not a problem for him. Christophe has proven he can do that so the door is definitely not shut. And I think Alex has said that from day one. Christophe has been playing well with his club, but Alex has decided that at this moment in time there are other guys who deserve an opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Grant has admitted they are monitoring Angus Gunn, the son of former Aberdeen and Scotland keeper Bryan, even though the Manchester City goalie, who is on loan at Norwich City, has represented the England Under-21 team.

“I’ve known Angus a long time,” he said. “He’s a top-quality goalkeeper. It will be interesting. You’ll never shut that door until it’s impossible for him because he’s a top-quality goalkeeper. If he decided to come to Scotland, you would obviously embrace him with open arms.”