DANNY LENNON hopes his Scotland stars have the X-Factor to shine on the big stage.
But he knows he is also under the spotlight and must impress on his Under-21 audition if he is to land the job on a permanent basis.
The former St Mirren boss named his first national squad at Hampden yesterday as he prepares for the friendly fixture with Hungary next week.
It will be his maiden match in the Dark Blues dugout and a chance for him to stake his claim for the position following the departure of Billy Stark in November.
The Under-21s don't have another game until September when they will kick-off their European Championship qualification campaign against Northern Ireland.
Lennon has only been appointed to take care of the Hungary fixture a week on Thursday and will take former Celtic stopper Gary Caldwell with him as part of his backroom staff after he hung up his boots earlier this month.
The SFA have named Brian McClair as their new Performance Director and while they have yet to choose Stark's successor, Lennon is not afraid to look longer term.
He said: "I'm preparing for the job like I'm in it for the long term. That's what you've got to do.
"In management you can be in one day and out the next, but you've got to prepare for the long term.
"I'm really looking forward to working with the squad. Squads will change through injury, poor form, but I'm passionate about bringing on young players and I want to try and help them realise their full potential.
"I want to develop a winning mentality too. The last superstars we had were Kenny Dalglish and Graeme Souness, but Scotland's strengths have always been team spirit and camaraderie.
"I would encourage every one of this group to go out and be the next superstar to come through."
While the Hungary clash will be a Scotland debut for Lennon, it will also be a first taste of football at that level for several members of his squad.
Celtic defender Stuart Findlay is the most experienced player in the group with ten caps, while Buddies star John McGinn is also named in the squad.
Lennon has handed Manchester United's Donald Love his first call-up after the defender received a glowing recommendation from former Old Trafford star Darren Fletcher.
And the Dark Blues boss is confident he has a talented group at his disposal as they bid to put a disappointing Euro 2015 campaign behind them.
Lennon said: "There are about 60 players I've identified that could fit into this coming campaign. Unfortunately you can only pick a third of them.
"But I'm thoroughly excited about this group of players. We are well placed for this game against Hungary. We've not qualified for a major tournament at Under-21 level for over 20 years. That's something we want to rectify."
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