Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has insisted that his side still have a strong midfield despite the recent retirement of Scott Brown.
The Celtic skipper announced his decision to call time on his international career at the age of 31 last week having won 50 caps for his country.
Strachan acknowledged that the team will miss Brown both on and off the field, but believes that they still have enough depth to cater for the loss of the former captain.
"Listen, I'm okay there. It's one of our stronger areas. Weaker without him, but still strong. It will be quieter. I loved his company, I think everybody liked his company," he told reporters.
"But we get on with it. We thank him for what he did. We understand the decision he has come to, as a player myself, who had 50 caps, and we respect his decision.
"His decision is for the best of Scott Brown. At times in your career you go: 'What's the best for me? What's the best for my family?' And he has decided at this moment in time that this will be the best for him."
The likes of Darren Fletcher, James Morrison, James McArthur, John McGinn, Kevin McDonald and Barry Bannan have all been named as central midfielders in Scotland's squad to face Malta next month.
Barney Corkhill
