By David McDaid

Brown says Boyd and McFadden can thrive where they are

Former Scotland manager Craig Brown says neither Kris Boyd nor James McFadden will damage their Scotland careers by staying where they are.

Boyd has found starts at Rangers difficult to come by, while McFadden's agent says the player wants to leave Championship-bound Birmingham.

"Players want regular football, but I think Boyd is capable of winning a starting place at Ibrox," said Brown.

"And McFadden would do well for Scotland even at Conference level!"

Rangers striker Boyd scored 25 goals for the Light Blues last season, despite featuring only 23 times in Walter Smith's starting eleven.

He has also only started in one of the national team's last eight matches.

And Cardiff City are expected to increase the �2.5m bid for the player that they had turned down by Rangers last week.

If I was an opposing manager and I saw Boyd and Miller lining up against my team, I would be very concerned Craig Brown

"I think any player who is not playing regularly can't be judged properly by the international team manager," said the former Scotland boss.

"But Boyd seems to have responded well whenever Rangers have played him.

"So it's just a matter of him making himself an automatic selection."

And, despite Rangers manager Smith buying three new forwards early on in the transfer window, Brown believes Boyd can still shine.

"I would say Kenny Miller in particular is a very good signing," he said.

"I picked him for Scotland when he was a young player at Hibernian and I've always been impressed by his terrific workrate.

"If I was an opposing manager and I saw Boyd and Miller lining up against my team, I would be very concerned, because I think they could be a very formidable pairing for Rangers."

McFadden's agent, meanwhile, says the striker wants to move away from Birmingham following the club's relegation from the English Premier League.

Celtic were reported ready to offer �5.5m for the player, but sources close to the club have distanced themselves from any move to buy McFadden.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Are Boyd and McFadden able to fulfil their potential where they are?

However, Brown says the player can still flourish for Scotland while plying his trade in England's second tier.

"Of course, you want every player to be playing at the highest level," said Brown

"But I think that, outwith the Old Firm, Championship clubs are better than those in the Scottish Premier League.

"Yes, the best environment for any player would be at the highest level in Europe and Celtic and Rangers in Scotland would be able to provide that.

"But James McFadden will not suffer from playing in the Championship.

"James is a talisman for Scotland and I don't think it matters where he plays. I'm sure he'll always do well for Scotland."