Phil Brown has backed Tom Cairney to prove England were wrong to have not called him up to the senior squad when he eventually gets his first cap for Scotland.

The 26-year-old Fulham vice captain could make his debut for Gordon Strachan's side tonight when they face Canada in a friendly at Easter Park after receiving his first call-up to the squad.

Brown was the man who gave Cairney his debut when he was at Hull City in 2009 and speaking to the Scottish Sun, he believes that England were wrong to not hand the midfielder a call-up.

And Cairney's former boss believes that Fulham's talisman is only getting better with age, similar to Manchester United man Michael Carrick.

He said: "Tom might turn out to be a player who shows he’s slipped through England’s fingers because he seems to be getting better and better.

"Tom’s 26 so he’s coming to the prime of his career now and his performances for Fulham as captain bode well for Scotland.

Ready for duty: Tom Cairney is currently with Scotland

"That’s why Gordon Strachan has called him up.

"England aren’t overly blessed with left-footers.

"You always think twice about getting rid of a left-footer and now it looks like Tom will get a chance to prove England were wrong not to give him a chance at international level.

"He’ll have thought long and hard about international football and he will have to keep on believing he has made the right decision.

"It must have been a tough decision but I’m sure his parents will have played a massive part in him opting to play for Scotland and they’ll give him the right answers.

"It’s as if he’s cut from the same cloth as Michael Carrick who seems to have got better as he’s matured.

"I’m delighted for Tom that he’s getting this recognition."