Alex McLeish has called on FIFA to introduce a rule forcing clubs to release international players to all nations involved in World Cup warm-up games.

A depleted Scotland squad has arrived in Lima for an end-of-season friendly with Peru in the early hours of Wednesday, followed by a match against Mexico next weekend.

Both host nations will field strong teams in preparation for their participation in next month's World Cup finals in Russia.

Alex McLeish has called on FIFA to bring in rule forcing clubs to release international players

But McLeish's squad has been ravaged by call-offs and withdrawals - and he now has just 18 fit outfield players at his disposal.

He has been powerless to compel Colorado Rapids to release Scots duo Danny Wilson and Sam Nicholson from MLS duty, albeit Sporting Kansas City *will* let Johnny Russell play the game in Mexico.

Frustrated by inconsistencies in the regulations, McLeish said: 'That's where I would question FIFA with this.

'If every game is bona fide for teams going to the World Cup, why is it not the same for the warm-up acts?

'We are essentially the warm-up acts - so where can you actually enforce a call up?'

McLeish reached an agreement with Celtic to let key Parkhead players rest before Champions League qualifiers in mid-July.

But six players have also called off from the original squad, leaving the Scotland boss bemoaning a situation where he has to face two top nations in world football with a shadow squad.

A depleted Scotland squad has arrived in Lima for friendlies against Peru and Mexico

'I want a relationship with the clubs - I don't want to go down the road where we don't have a decent level of communication.

'I spoke to Johnny Russell's gaffer and he was absolutely tremendous. He will miss the first game, but he will come and play in the second game.

'I feel there is a brilliant relationship on-going there and Johnny is desperate to play for Scotland.

'I think all the lads are - but the fact this FIFA rule does not count for teams not going to the World Cup, then I think that has to be looked at.'

McLeish's squad has been ravaged by call-offs and withdrawals with just 18 fit outfield players

Refusing to be downcast about the task ahead, McLeish added: 'We have the best players available to us since the call offs and I want these guys to go and embrace this trip.

'It is a once in a lifetime experience and it is for me as well, even at the age of 59.

'I have done the whole world before but I still love it - you have to love it. That's what they have to do.

'I want these guys to shine. Hopefully everyone will see this as a massive opportunity to play for Scotland and a reward for their great season.

'This is a piece of their life they will never forget.

The Scotland boss bemoaned a situation where he has to face top nations with a shadow squad

'I look back at my own career. I am so privileged to have played for Scotland. Even one cap would have done me. But to play so many times and manage and then manage again, I am so privileged and so enthusiastic about the guys coming out here.'

Having already come to terms with playing the role of warm-up act for nations who will be taking part on the big stage, McLeish wants one or two hidden gems to use that status as a motivation to play in a major finals.

'Let's be positive. We are going out here and we probably won't be able to go all-out attack a la Barcelona which is what everyone wants to see in the modern-day game. We will be organised and we know we will be facing two very tough teams,' he said.

'We have to perform almost a giant-killing act.'