Craig Mackail-Smith has been given the green light to make his full international debut today.

And his Albion boss is delighted about it.

The Seagulls striker is expected to start for Scotland as lone striker in their must-win Euro 2012 qualifier in Liechtenstein (6.30pm).

Increasing doubts over his presence at kick-off were eased last night when the Scottish FA issued a statement to confirm Kenny Miller had finally lost his battle against a groin injury.

Miller had become increasingly upbeat about his chances of playing.

He trained yesterday for the first time in the build-up to this pair of internationals, in which the Scots also visit Spain, but boss Craig Levein sees Mackail-Smith as a perfect stand-in.

Levein said: “I’ve never had any doubt that Craig could fill Kenny’s boots. The two of them are very, very similar types of players and Craig won’t let us down.

“We have complete faith in him because we know what he can bring to this team.”

Mackail-Smith has already come off the bench for Scotland against Brazil and Denmark in friendlies and Gus Poyet will be delighted to see him get a chance to start.

The Albion manager said: “I’m happy for my players to play for their countries.

“Maybe in a few years I’ll be manager of a team who have 15 players away on international duty and I won’t be happy!

“But I’m delighted for Craig. I loved playing for my national team.”

Mackail-smith can put himself in pole position to face the World and European champions if he starts in Vaduz.

Asked what he would learn should he face the Spanish, Poyet said: “How to keep the ball because, if he doesn’t, it will be a while before he touches it again.”