Billy Stark believes Steven Fletcher's promotion to the Scotland squad can act as a spur and not an obstacle to the U-21s qualifying hopes.The Hibernian striker is set to make his senior Scotland debut against Croatia next Wednesday, after the under-21s complete their crucial UEFA Championship qualifier against Finland in Aberdeen.

But Stark believes his step up can serve as encouragement to the players he left behind that Scotland boss George Burley is taking note of their progress.

"It's not a blow," Stark said.

"In common with any team, you can lose players to injury or suspension, and in our case with Steven it's through stepping up to the full team.

"Obviously, that's the best scenario. We wish him well, we think he deserves it.

"It gives an opportunity for other players to come in but also it shows people that George is ready to bring players from the under-21 squad if they have shown they are good enough, both with the under-21s and playing consistently with their teams."

Fletcher has formed a potent partnership with Motherwell's Ross McCormack and Rangers forward Steven Naismith, and Stark insists they will relish the increased responsibility amid the absence of Fletcher.

"Ross has shown that he would be in the running for players of the year, he has had such an impact," the former St Johnstone and Queen's Park boss said.

"He has made a good contribution to the under-21 squad in the championship so far, and I'm sure the type that he is, he will take on the mantle in Steven's absence as well.

"We have Steven Naismith as well, who is a big, big player for us, he is the captain.

"Those two players will be more important now that Steven has gone."

The Pittodrie clash is crucial for Scotland's qualification hopes as they seek to cut an eight-point deficit on group leaders Finland, who have played a game more.

"It's paramount we win the game," Stark said. "Finland have five wins under their belt and are in great shape.

"Ourselves and Denmark have an outside chance of qualifying but we both have to make sure that we beat Finland."

Stark has left out midfielder Rocco Quinn as his club St Johnstone face Clyde in an Irn-Bru First Division match next Tuesday.

But the squad has an otherwise familiar look with newest member James McArthur looking to add to his first cap, earned in a 2-2 draw with Ukraine in last month's four-team tournament in Portugal.

The Hamilton midfielder admits he has taken a lot from his international recognition.

"I got a lot of confidence to see that it is getting recognised that you are doing okay," the 20-year-old said.

"I was playing okay but when I came back from Portugal I got a wee bit of a confidence boost which I took into my game."

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