However, West Brom's James Morrison - who recently switched allegiance from England to Scotland - is still waiting for clearance from FIFA to represent his new nation and will be brought in once the paperwork is completed.

Captain Barry Ferguson, David Weir, Paul Hartley, Lee McCulloch and Gary Naysmith have all been rested for the match at Aberdeen next Wednesday.

Former Celtic midfielder Stephen Pearson has won a recall after helping Derby return to the English top flight.

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

"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 28-year-old Robson had been on his "radar" for some time.

He said: "His maturity over the last couple of years has been very evident. I think his performances have merited his inclusion."

Pearson's former Motherwell team-mate James McFadden is also included despite missing Everton's first match of the season through injury.

But there is no place for Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam or Kilmarnock forward Steven Naismith following their Scotland debuts in June.

Naismith has been named in the Under-21 squad for their clash with the Czech Republic the night before the South Africa game.

However, McLeish urged the young pair to show patience.

"If they are disappointed to be left out, they shouldn't be. They just have to keep the form they have shown," he said.

"It's important we don't rush the young players."