SCOTT ARFIELD has tipped Jordan Rhodes to make the step up to the Scotland first team.
Town’s top scorer made his debut for the Under 21s in Belgium a week ago, and returned to take his season’s haul to 20 with a double in Sunday’s 3-0 home win over Notts County.
Craig Mackail-Smith, of Town’s League I promotion rivals Peterborough, played for Scotland in Sunday’s friendly against Brazil.
And Arfield, himself an Under 21 cap who has designs on making the senior side, reckons Rhodes has what it takes to become a full international.
The pair are set to line up alongside each other when second-place Town seek a fifth win in six League I games at Tranmere on Saturday.
And former Falkirk midfielder Arfield says it would be a dream come true if they could do the same thing in the dark blue of Scotland.
“Any professional footballer wants to play at as high a level as possible, and I definitely want to represent my country,” said Arfield, who has 18 Under 21 caps and one for Scotland B.
“It would be fantastic if I could line up alongside Jordan, and there’s no doubt in my mind that he has the ability to reach that level.
“He gave a good account of himself over in Belgium, but stayed focused and came back and did the business for us, which is no surprise, because he’s very grounded.
“The way he’s playing, it’s only a matter of time before he gets a chance at senior level, and a double of promotion and a full cap would be perfect for him!
“It’s no surprise Scotland have been so keen on getting him involved, and my family and friends who come to watch Town are delighted he’s decided his future lies with us.”
