Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is encouraging Chris Herd to pledge his allegiance to Scotland.
The 22-year old Australian-born midfielder/defender is eligible to represent Scotland because of his parents but so far has played for his country of birth at U20 level.
Recent reports have suggested that the Scottish Football Association are looking to lure Herd to the Scotland team and that has been backed by McLeish.
"It's a personal decision for Chris but I would encourage him to play for Scotland, of course I would being Scottish myself," said McLeish.
Herd has made two appearances so far this season - a brief cameo in the Carling Cup against Hereford United - and a Man of the Match performance in the scoreless draw with Wolves in the Premier League on August 27.
