SCOTLAND boss Gordon Strachan will consider releasing Lewis Macleod from international duty if he receives a request to do so from Ally McCoist.

Macleod has been called for the first time as a result of his outstanding performances for the Gers this season. But the 20-year-old midfielder is unlikely to feature in the Euro 2016 qualifier with the Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park on Friday night.

And Gers gaffer McCoist had spoken of the possibility of asking for the player to be released for the SPFL Championship match with Alloa at Ibrox on Saturday.

The Light Blues board has decided that the game against the Wasps will go ahead - even though McCoist has three players away with their countries and is allowed to call it off. Strachan is well covered for midfielders for the Group D match with Ireland and is open to the possibility of letting Macleod go if McCoist asks for him to be made available.