DANNY LENNON has urged his Scotland youngsters to make the most of their chance to shine when they face Hungary in a friendly tomorrow afternoon, writes Chris Jack.
After a disappointing Euro qualification campaign and the departure of boss Billy Stark last year, the Under-21s have a chance to get back on track in Tatabanya.
The fixture will be Lennon's first in the dugout since being handed the Hampden reins and the former St Mirren boss is keen to get off to a positive start.
"All these players are here because they are good players," Lennon said.
"We are looking to gel a team that plays for each other and possesses the qualities that will help us qualify for a major tournament.
"It is fantastic that this opportunity this week has given us a chance to get the chemical reaction from everybody, to gel together, and to give us a platform to go to Hungary.
"It is an opportunity for all these players to play for the jersey and to see if the coming days and the game and set us up for a very competitive qualifying campaign."
It is a busy week for all of our national sides, with the Under-21 clash coming in the midst of action for the Under-19s and Gordon Strachan's full squad.
And Lennon is enjoying being part of the Dark Blue set-up as he prepares for his Scotland bow.
"I have been delighted with the application of the players," he added. "I have had fantastic support from the staff at the SFA. I have put my own thought across to them.
"As the week has progressed, you can see the players relaxing a bit more and getting used to my style. That can only stand us in good stead for the game.
"Gordon is fantastic. He lets you get on with it but he is always there at the end of the phone and I have certainly used him for advice.
"But, in terms of that style and that man management and trust, he lets you get on with it."
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