The 28-year-old was named in the squad to face South Africa in a friendly next week after some inspirational displays for his club.

Scotland could have a new-look midfield for the Pittodrie clash next Wednesday with Stephen Pearson and James Morrison also in line to play.

Derby midfielder Pearson has been recalled after his international career was derailed by a spell on the periphery at Celtic.

And, although red tape prevented West Brom midfielder Morrison's inclusion, McLeish hopes to call on the Darlington-born wide man when his decision to commit to the land of his grandparents is ratified by FIFA.

McLeish has rested a number of senior players including several Old Firm stars who are involved in Champions League qualifiers this month, such as David Weir, Barry Ferguson and Paul Hartley.

Young Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam and Kilmarnock's Steven Naismith have also been left out following their debuts in June as McLeish looks to experiment further.

And he believes the emergence of players such as Robson has allowed him that luxury.

"Now my choice is getting much bigger," McLeish said. "The pool of players is such that I could pick 100 players but it's great to be in a position like that.

"Maybe the Scotland coach in recent years has never been spoiled for choice the way I have.

"We are just looking for the right blend while trying to keep a nucleus of players there that have been together for a long time and have a great understanding."

Ferguson is suspended for Scotland's European Championship qualifier against Lithuania next month and McLeish can experiment with Darren Fletcher the only midfielder to have a cap count in double figures.

"It's a chance for us to look at another midfield in terms of the game coming up while at the same time bearing in mind that victory is still very important for us," McLeish said.

"We want to win this game but I have rested some of the senior players and I have got them on a stand-by list should we have any problems." McLeish revealed that Robson had been in his thoughts for some time.

"His maturity over the last couple of years has been very evident," the Scotland boss said.

"Robson has impressed since moving into the central midfield area.

"He can also play in the wider area so I have no fear about playing him in any of these positions.

"He has got good ability, a great touch. These players are few and far between in football and certainly we have been much maligned in Scottish football by people saying that players don't have a great touch.

"But he is one of the guys that does possess good quality."

Robson won praise from Thierry Henry last month after United held Barcelona until conceding a last-minute penalty in a friendly.

McLeish said: "I saw that and if Thierry rates him then you've got to listen. So he can thank Thierry. But he was on the radar last year."

The former Rangers boss is surprised Morrison's clearance has not come through after handing over the forms in May.

Morrison, who recently moved to the Hawthorns from Middlesbrough for £1.5million, needs permission to pull on the navy blue after representing England at youth level.

McLeish said: "We hope he will be involved. We can't name him because FIFA haven't ratified it. They are dragging their heels a wee bit.

"I'm sure somebody in administration in FIFA needs their bum kicked.

"We don't anticipate any problems but I can't say for certain."

One midfielder sure to be involved is Pearson, whose last appearance for Scotland came under caretaker boss Tommy Burns in a 4-1 defeat by Sweden in November 2004.

McLeish said: "His form has been excellent.

"Archie Gemmill is still doing a bit for us down south and wee Archie watched him in a game and said he was outstanding in central midfield.

"He was driving forward, he has got the energy. If he can compete in the Premiership he is up another level. So we can't ignore players like that."