Former Scotland manager Craig Brown believes victory in tomorrow’s friendly against Netherlands could land caretaker boss Malky Mackay the job on a permanent basis.
Mackay, the Scottish FA performance director, refused to rule himself out of the running to replace Gordon Strachan when he named the squad for tomorrow’s friendly at Pittodrie.
Brown believes the former Watford, Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic manager could put himself in pole position if the national team impresses against Dick Advocaat’s Dutch side.
He said: “I believe it is quite likely that Malky Mackay will be in the frame to replace Gordon Strachan.
“This is like an audition for the job.
“If he does well in this game against Holland then it will speak volumes for his chances of getting the job.
“Holland have a great reputation because of their total football from years ago.
“They have had some wonderful players but they haven’t been performing as well recently.”
Brown, meanwhile, feels the three Aberdeen players – Ryan Christie, Kenny McLean and Graeme Shinnie – fully merit their inclusion in the squad for the match.
He said: “It is great recognition, which they deserve.
“You are allowed to use six substitutes in a friendly and I would expect they will be given an opportunity.
“Another former Dons player Eric Black is on the staff, while two former players Ryan Fraser and Ryan Jack are also in the squad.
“With the plans for the new Kingsford Stadium, this could be the last international at Pittodrie.
“It is a momentous game.”
The Netherlands failed to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia, finishing third in Group A behind winners France and Sweden, who take on Italy in this week’s play-offs.
Brown admits he is surprised to see Advocaat and his assistant Ruud Gullit working in partnership at the forefront of the under-performing side.
He said: “We played Holland in a friendly in 1994.
“We had failed to qualify for the World Cup and were asked to play them in a friendly in Utrecht.
“At that time Dick Advocaat was the Holland manager and he took Ruud Gullit off at half-time.
“I joked with Aberdeen defender Brian Irvine that he had finished Gullit’s career after he was taken off at the break.
“It turned out Gullit took the huff at being replaced at half-time and walked out on the squad.
“The assistant manager Bert van Lingen took me into the Holland dressing room after the game.
“Gullit had left his orange tie hanging from the number nine peg in an act of defiance.
“He left the training camp and didn’t go to the World Cup.
“The astonishing thing is he is now back as Dick Advocaat’s assistant.
“I don’t know how that came about but they must have made up.”