1:07 Charlie Mulgrew says being named Scotland captain for their friendly against Costa Rica is 'massive' and praised the atmosphere in the squad. Charlie Mulgrew says being named Scotland captain for their friendly against Costa Rica is 'massive' and praised the atmosphere in the squad.

Charlie Mulgrew will captain the Scotland side in Friday's friendly against Costa Rica at Hampden Park.

The post was vacant after Celtic's Scott Brown retired from internationals and Stoke's Darren Fletcher is not in the squad.

Kieran Tierney skippered Scotland in Malky Mackay's sole game in interim charge against The Netherlands but the Celtic left-back is also absent due to a calf injury.

And new manager Alex McLeish has opted for the 32-year-old Mulgrew, who has 31 caps to his name.

Alex McLeish will begin his second spell in charge of Scotland on Friday night

"It is massive," said Mulgrew. "I am delighted and very honoured. I grew up watching Scotland so to be captain of the side is great.

"There are a lot of leaders in the changing room and a lot of really good players.

"Training has been brilliant. Everybody is working hard, trying to stay in the squad and push for starting places. That makes for a good atmosphere and hopefully a better performance on the pitch."

McLeish added: "Charlie is a natural choice. It's for this game, we will see what happens in the next game.

"We want him to help the young kids round about him. Charlie is a good leader and he deserves to be captain."