RANGERS and Scotland legend Ally McCoist has sung the praises of fellow countryman Che Adams – describing the Saints striker as “a clever player” and “a breath of fresh air”.

Although born in Leicester, Adams qualified to play for Scotland due to a Scottish grandmother on his mother’s side.

Since his first call up for the Tartan Army a year ago in March 2021, Adams has scored four goals in 13 appearances for Scotland.

McCoist, a prolific striker himself in his playing days, ranted and raved about how good Adams was for both club and country.

After a rough start to life in a Saints shirt, Adams has quickly become a dependable source of goals for Ralph Hasenhuttl this campaign.

The former Birmingham striker now has a record of eight strikes in 25 games in all competitions, with his form increasing since the turn of the year.

In eight games in 2022, Adams has scored four goals and recorded two assists, making him a shoo-in for the Scottish squad selection earlier this week.

Adams and fellow Saints teammate Stuart Armstrong have been called up for friendlies, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine forced the postponement of Scotland’s World Cup playoff with the Ukrainians.

As reported by the Daily Record, McCoist said about Adams: “First and foremost, we now have a striker who is a first pick every week for a very good team in the English Premier League.

“It’s been a long time since a Scotland manager has had that luxury.

“Adams has started his international career really positively and has scored in the last two games against Moldova and Denmark. Apart from that, his general play has been terrific.

“But take it from me, as a striker you want to be hitting the back of the net and those goals will have done him the world of good.

“He’s come away from matches bursting with confidence and it has shown in his club displays. Since then, he scored against the likes of Manchester United at Old Trafford and away to Spurs as well. He has been a breath of fresh air for us.

“Believe me, playing up front for Scotland is really difficult – it always has been. When chances come along you have to take them.”

McCoist also believes that QPR striker Lyndon Dykes is the perfect foil for Adams, with the former Rangers boss believing the pair are “a good combination” up top.

“It’s the first time in a while that we’ve got a good combination and it’s something different,” he continued.

“Lyndon Dykes is more of a target man, big and strong and occupies defenders.

“He wins free kicks and gets the team up the pitch, as well as knowing where the goal is.

“But Adams is one I like a lot. He’s such a clever player. He’s got a bit of pace and can go in behind and he can finish.

“We’ve lacked somebody who can go in behind and Adams can do that.

“Obviously, the next two games are not as important as they might have been but it’s really key that we keep all these boys fit for the big games we have coming up.”