Charlie Mulgrew handed Scotland captaincy

Defender Charlie Mulgrew has been handed the Scotland captaincy for the international friendly with Costa Rica.

On Friday night, Alex McLeish begins his second spell in charge of the Tartan Army and the 59-year-old's first decision has been to select a replacement for Scott Brown, who has announced his retirement from Scotland duty.

However, McLeish has suggested that as it stands, Blackburn Rovers player Mulgrew will only take the skipper's armband for one match.

At a press conference, McLeish told reporters: "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."

Mulgrew added: "I'm very honoured. It's unexpected but I'm honoured. I grew up watching Scotland so to be captaining the team is great. I'm delighted to be the leader in that changing room."

Mulgrew has won 31 caps for Scotland since making his debut in 2012.