RALPH Hasenhuttl was pleased to see Che Adams enter the international scene, describing his call-up to Scotland as a "good opportunity for him".

Leicester-born Adams previously turned down Scotland's advances back in 2017, as he began to impress in the Championship with Birmingham City.

The striker featured for England at under-20s level and was also eligible to represent Antigua and Barbuda, but he rejected their approach whilst plying his trade in non-league as a teenager.

But now aged 24, Adams has taken the decision to make himself available for Scotland and he made his debut on Thursday evening.

The Saints frontman was introduced off the bench midway through the second half of their opening 2022 World Cup qualifier against Austria at Hampden Park.

He replaced Saints team-mate Stuart Armstrong, with Scotland trailing 1-0.

The hosts eventually battled back to draw 2-2 with goals from defender Grant Hanley and Aston Villa's John McGinn cancelling out a Sasa Kalajdzic brace.

Asked how much playing on the international stage would help Adams's development and if he had spoken with the striker about his decision to play for Scotland rather than other potential options, Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: "I didn’t know that he had more opportunities for international games. But I was definitely speaking about Scotland with him.

"I think it’s a good opportunity for him. The chance to play for this country is a higher one than maybe waiting for an England call I think. It’s a little bit more difficult.

"But for every player it’s a big opportunity to play international games and hopefully he shows that he makes them stronger."

The Saints boss added: "I think for him it is a big opportunity and he is in good shape at the moment.

"Hopefully he will show that he is a benefit for the team."

Adams has played a key role for Saints this season, featuring in 33 of the club's 34 matches.

He has netted seven goals along the way, including one in each of his past three Premier League outings.

The former Sheffield United youngster could be back in international action tomorrow, when Scotland head to Israel, before another qualifier at home against Faroe Islands on Wednesday.

Scotland are set to feature at this summer's European Championship finals, drawn in a group alongside Czech Republic, England and Croatia.