Derby County forward Johnny Russell keen to impress Scotland boss Gordon Strachan

Johnny Russell has expressed his delight after being called up to the Scotland squad for the upcoming fixtures against nearby Republic of Ireland and England.

Russell's recent displays in the Championship for Derby County saw him receive a phone call from Scotland boss Gordon Strachan on Saturday night telling him that he would be in contention to face Ireland in a Euro 2016 qualifier and England in a friendly.

He is now desperate to impress Strachan and make his senior international debut.

"Facing the Republic of Ireland and England, I really don't think you could have picked two better games to be honest," the 24-year-old told Derby's website.

"The Ireland game will be special because it's a qualifier and Derby have a few players in both squads. The England one doesn't need building up at all; it is always a massive game.

"I am so pleased to be called up for both of them and I know it's up to me now to force myself into Gordon Strachan's plans."

Russell joins Rams teammates Craig Forsyth and Chris Martin in Strachan's squad for the two matches, both of which take place at Celtic Park in Glasgow.