Scott McKenna has earned Scotland chance insists Ash Taylor as he tells Steve Clarke to unleash Nottingham Forest star

Kilmarnock defender Ash Taylor insists it was a case of 'when' opposed to 'if' Scott McKenna got his shot at the English Premier League.

And now he reckons his old back could shine for Scotland.

The Nottingham Forrest defender made his dream a reality on Sunday as he helped his team keep a clean sheet against Huddersfield at Wembley to secure their place in England's top flight.

The 25-year-old has now joined up with Steve Clarke's squad full of confidence, knowing he faces huge challenges in the form of Mohamed Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane in the Premier League next year.

But his old Aberdeen team mate Taylor know the top is exactly where McKenna was destined to end up after watching his potential develop during their time at Pittodrie together.

He said: “I’m delighted to see Scott win promotion to the Premier League at the weekend. It was brilliant to see.

“You have to say it is fully deserved. I know how hard Scott has worked on his game and to get to the position he has today for club and country. You could see from very early on that Scott was destined for the top and that included the Premier League

“I know he has had a couple of missed opportunities and so it is great to see him get that chance now with Forest.”

McKenna will be hoping a dazzling week continues in Scotland’s World Cup quest, with tonight’s clash against Ukraine deciding who plays Wales in Sunday’s play-off final.

Scotland boss Clarke will have a void on the left-hand side of the defence to fill due to Kieran Tierney’s injury and Taylor reckons McKenna would be the ideal man to come in.

Kilmarnock defender Taylor said: “Scott should be playing for Scotland anyway. More so now especially being promoted and being full of confidence