HULL City boss Steve Bruce believes George Boyd will make the grade as an international footballer after seeing the forward earn his first Scotland call-up.
Boyd was yesterday named in Gordon Strachan's first competitive squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Serbia later this month, four years after playing his only game for Scotland B in 2009.
Although born and raised in Kent and a former international for England C at non-league level, the 27-year-old qualifies for Scotland through his grandfather.
A maiden call-up caps a fine fortnight for Boyd. After leaving Peterborough on loan 14 days ago ahead of a permanent move this summer, two goals in his first two starts for the Tigers have now earned him a ticket to the international stage.
"What a great couple of weeks he's had but that's football," said Bruce.
"After his worst nightmare of supposedly failing an eye test at Nottingham Forest, to come here and score two on his home debut, now it's topped it off with a call-up for Scotland.
"Gordon Strachan rang me to ask about George so I'm not surprised he's been called up.
"The type of player he is I believe he'll be able to hold his own with the step up. I hope he gets his start as he's an excellent footballer."
Having named Boyd in his 28-man squad, due to meet after City's home game with Nottingham Forest next weekend, Strachan said: "George is an elegant player, good passer and can score goals. I spoke to Darren Ferguson and he says he's the best player he's worked with.
"I tried to sign him at Middlesbrough, Alex McLeish tried too at Nottingham Forest, so we know what he can do."
Boyd joins an increasing number of internationals at the KC Stadium and could leave Bruce with nine players away ahead of the trip to Huddersfield on March 30.
Egypt have already called up Ahmed Elmohamady, Gedo and Ahmed Fathi for the double-header against Swaziland and Zimbabwe, while Robbie Brady, David Meyler and Paul McShane are all expected to be named in the Republic of Ireland squad to play Sweden and Austria.
Alex Bruce and Corry Evans could complete the list if selected for Northern Ireland ahead of qualifiers against Russia and Israel.
DANNY East has joined League Two leaders Gillingham on-loan until the end of the season.
