Hamilton midfielder James McArthur believes his Scotland Under-21 call-up is an indication of the high standard of the Irn-Bru First Division.

McArthur has been named in Billy Stark's squad for next Wednesday's UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier against Finland at Pittodrie.

Goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald, on loan at Queen of the South from Hearts, Dundee midfielder Kevin McDonald and Livingston forward Graham Dorrans are also included.

McArthur said: "I think there is a lot of quality players - Kevin McDonald and Jamie McDonald have been called up as well, so it's good."

The 20-year-old admitted he was nervous about joining his SPL colleagues before his debut in a 2-2 draw against Ukraine in Portugal last month.

But he has received a lift from his experience after being welcomed into the fold.

"I got a lot of confidence to see that it is getting recognised that you are doing okay," he said.

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

McArthur is on course to leave the First Division behind with his side six points clear at the top of the table.

And he is confident Accies could cope with life in the top flight after winning once and losing narrowly in cup ties against SPL teams this season.

"We have played three teams this season - Kilmarnock and beat them, Aberdeen and I think we should have got something out the game," he said.

"I think the only time we struggled was against Dundee United in the first half. The second half we played a lot better. So I think we can cope with SPL teams."

New under-21 coach Stark is confident in the talent of his First Division players after seeing McArthur and the rest of his squad up close for the first time in Portugal.

"It was quite an intense couple of days, a game against Portugal and then Ukraine the following day so we were able to use everybody," Stark said.

"Portugal was great for me to get involved, first of all to see a lot of the boys who have been regulars, but also to look at one or two others.

"James McArthur showed up well over there and kept his place in the squad for this one.

"I think it shows we keep an eye on things and you don't necessarily have to be playing at the top of the Premier League to be considered."

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