St Mirren manager tips Paul McGowan for Scotland call (original) (raw)

St Mirren manager Danny Lennon believes midfielder Paul McGowan can force his way into the Scotland squad if he maintains his recent good form.

The 24-year-old is celebrating his Clydesdale Bank Premier League player of the month award for December.

And Lennon told BBC Scotland: "In my opinion, Paul McGowan has all the traits needed to get to the top.

"People maybe say he's not got that yard of pace but they said that about Kenny Dalglish, didn't they?"

McGowan scored in the 2-1 victory over Rangers on Christmas Eve and helped the Buddies pick up six points from five matches last month.

The Paisley side recovered from a home defeat to Inverness to record draws with Aberdeen, Motherwell and Dundee United as well as the Rangers win.

"For me, Paul is everything I would want see in a footballer," added Lennon.

"He handles the ball in any situation and he has a great work ethic and desire in and out of possession.

"He's just a lad that loves to play football.

"There hasn't been a more consistent midfielder performer for us this season and I hope he keeps that up.

"There are internationals coming up in February, so why not go and put that kind of pressure on, why not have that ambition because I certainly believe he has the quality to do so."

On the subject of a Scotland call-up, McGowan said: "It's a hard squad to get into. I can only keep doing well.

"But not many people would have thought [St Mirren goalkeeper] Craig Samson would get in, so it can be done."

McGowan signed a two-year deal in June, having been on loan at St Mirren last season.

He started his career at Celtic, making his debut in 2007, but only made a handful of appearances for the Glasgow giants.

And he was farmed out Morton and Hamilton before his switch to St Mirren.