Russell's call-up can inspire Under-21s - Stark

Scotland Under-21 manager Billy Stark hopes Johnny Russell's temporary international promotion can inspire his team-mates ahead of their qualifier against Bulgaria.

Russell faces his third flight in two days on Tuesday after being called up to the Scotland squad for the friendly in the United States.

The Dundee United striker did not feature in the Jacksonville friendly but he trained with Craig Levein's squad for a week in Florida before arriving back in Glasgow on Monday morning.

Russell then flew down to London with his Under-21 team-mates on Monday night and will be on a flight to Sofia on Tuesday ahead of Thursday's game in Lovech. And, although Scotland were on the end of a 5-1 thrashing, Stark believes the 22-year-old's enthusiasm about his experience could prove infectious.

Stark said: "Players, well human beings, are nosy people so they will be asking what it's like and he'll be passing on his experiences. Hopefully it makes them jealous and they will want to achieve what Johnny has achieved.

"Equally for Johnny he will want to prove he can get on the pitch and put that Scotland jersey on and he knows his club form particularly, but what he has done for the Under-21s also, has helped him join up with the big squad."