With the Brisbane outfit close to completing a deal for striker Charlie Miller, the club’s tartan army is threatening to take control at Suncorp Stadium.

Skipper Craig Moore spent a large chunk of his career with Rangers (Miller’s former club), while Roar’s past recruits have included Scots Stuart McLaren and Simon Lynch.

McCloughan, although Aussie through and through, can point to a Scottish ancestry and he feels the Scots are particularly well suited to the A-League.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: “I’m not quite sure what it is but I think players from Scotland are well equipped to adapt to this league.

“There just seems to be real fire in the belly and a capacity to look after themselves in a competition which can be physical at times. The Scottish leagues are tough and you need to be a strong character.

“These players are not afraid of being kicked and they also know how to look after themselves. I hope we can complete a deal for Charlie (Miller) because I think he’ll be a great acquisition for the club.

“He’s got so many qualities and I think he’s exactly the type we’ve been looking for for the past three years.”

McCloughan is facing a race against time to feature in the Pre-Season Cup clash against Central Coast Mariners on Sunday but fellow defender Moore is likely to feature after completing a ban.

McCloughan said: “Moorey looks as fit and sharp as I’ve seen him. He is still as hungry as ever. He’s just such a great player and a great professional to have at a club and the young lads can learn so much from him.

“I know there’s been talk of him playing for the Socceroos again. I’d like to see that but then I’m sure there’s thousands of fans out there who’d like to see that as well.”