McManus and Pressley are club-mates at Celtic

"It's not something that he's done before but he's a very bright guy and I think he'll do very well as a coach," said McManus.

"I don't think it will be strange working with a team-mate. We're all professional and get on with the job.

"It will probably help with big Elvis knowing us and how we work so well."

Media conference: Scotland's Stephen McManus

Media conference: Scotland's Gary Naysmith

McManus was talking at the first squad gathering under new national manager George Burley.

And Burley will be assisted by Pressley and former England captain Terry Butcher as Scotland prepare for the forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.

"It makes common sense to meet up," added McManus.

I still get the same buzz playing for Scotland as I did when I got my first cap Gary Naysmith

"The manager needs to get to know the players, we get a feeling for the new manager and first impressions have been very impressive."

McManus replaced Pressley three games into the Euro 2008 qualifying race and retained his place at the heart of Scotland's defence, alongside Rangers' David Weir.

But the Celtic skipper is not taking his place in the team for granted as Scotland aim to secure a place at the 2010 finals in South Africa.

"Nobody's position is safe and it's important that we all do the best we can to catch the manager's eye," he added.

"This is a really good time to be involved with national side.

"We want to play in a major final and fans will think it's long overdue. We will be working our socks off to get there."

Scotland, who were last at the World Cup in 1998, will be up against Holland, Norway, Macedonia and Iceland in the race for qualification.

And Sheffield United left-back Gary Naysmith is confident he can play an important role for many years to come.

The former Hearts and Everton defender said: "I'm only 29 and I like to think I've got two or three campaigns in me.

"I still get the same buzz playing for Scotland as I did when I got my first cap eight years ago."