Gordon Greer has backed his free-scoring Albion colleague to get back into the Scottish squad – by banging in goals in the Championship.

Craig Mackail-Smith will observe from a distance as Scotland tackle World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Macedonia in the coming week.

The popular striker has scored four times in his last two league games but was undergoing strenuous fitness tests with his clubmates back at The Amex as Scotland prepared for their Hampden Park double-header.

Fellow Scot Greer will not be putting in a word for his clubmate with any contacts north of the border.

The Seagulls captain does not feel anyone needs to argue Mackail-Smith’s case after his brilliant double strike at Burnley.

Greer said: “To be honest he answered it with his goals.

“It’s just what you do on the pitch and Macca has done that in the last two games scoring four goals.

“The way he has done all his talking is on the pitch.

Scotland boss Craig Levein has admitted he “felt sorry” for Mackail-Smith when he left him out but added: “The competition is really, really strong just now.”

Mackail-Smith would have faced two games in three nights had he been selected.

Scotland play Macedonia on Wednesday, 48 hours before the Seagulls face Sheffield Wednesday at The Amex.

Greer reckons Albion can put the international break to good use as their reinforced squad – with four recent signings – prepare to face The Owls.

The skipper is reasonably happy with seven points from four games but believes Albion can improve. He said: “We’ve got four new players who came in on Friday so it is important for them to gel with us.

“This gives them a bit of time.

“It has been a steady start and we have played quite well.

“We didn’t get much out of the first two games and then coming back with two wins was great.