IF Craig Brown really wants to know about Billy McKinlay's qualifications for next summer's World Cup squad, he merely needs to have a quiet word with Kevin Gallacher or Colin Hendry, the two regular Ewood representatives in the Scottish side.

Either or both would confirm that the tartan terminator is back in business - with a vengeance.

And there must be a good chance of Brown deciding to see that for himself as Scotland set out on the second stage of their World Cup build-up against the 1998 hosts France in St Etienne tonight.

Stage one saw the Scots qualify, with Hendry a rock at the back and Gallacher in the sort of goalscoring form which has highlighted his Premiership season with Blackburn Rovers.

Now they must ensure their preparations are right and that the coach is in no doubts about his best 22 for the finals.

McKinlay has been more of a fringe player of late, usually a substitute rather than a regular starter for his country. But his club form since Tony Parkes first restored him to the Rovers line-up just over a year ago has been outstanding.

Last Saturday against Everton was a typical example. But, while he has endeared himself to the Rovers fans with his heart-on-the-sleeve approach and ruthless ball-winning play as the midfield anchor man, there is so much more to his game.

With both Gallacher and McKinlay hoping to be involved tonight, we commissioned a special Carling Opta report on their performances this season. And, even though he has played only 685 minutes in the Premiership, largely through injury, McKinlay's all-round qualities are emphasised.

Tackling is one of his biggest strengths but he has made almost as many passes as his Ewood team-mate with an impressive 81 per cent completion rate.

Likewise, Gallacher is not simply a scorer or provider. His passing ranks with the best and his tackling statistics look good too, retaining possession with more than half his challenges.

Playing as a central striker, however, clearly suits Gallacher as he has produced 11 on-target attempts, in addition to his goals.

If there is one area of the game where McKinlay needs to be wary, it is his disciplinary record.

As Rovers rely on him to make so many tackles, he is bound to collect a fair number of yellow cards in an era when referees sometimes caution first and think about it later.

With four against him already, he needs to avoid a fifth for as long as possible for it will bring automatic suspension.

Of McKinlay's caps for Scotland, around half of them have come as a substitute. But, while Brown believes tonight's clash will give a good indication of Scotland's progress, he is also taking a longer-term view with the finals in mind.

Stuart McCall was a late call-up after Celtic midfielder Paul Lambert was released from the squad following his move from Borussia Dortmund.

And the Scottish coach stressed that the likes of McKinlay are set to be given a chance to prove what they can do in the build-up to next summer.

Brown said: "I see this game as a yardstick to test our progress of recent times and feel it is an important match for both sides.

"I have decided to let Paul Lambert return to Germany though, as I was already looking to experiment in midfield with a few of the guys who have been with us a long time but not being given a chance. "I know all about Paul anyway, so now I want to find out more about Billy McKinlay and especially David Hopkin as I want to see if he can continue the impressive start he made against Belarus.

"We are playing one of the main challengers for the World Cup, but I still want to use the game to look at players."

Hendry, of course, is sidelined with the knee injury which cost him his ever-present Premiership record with Rovers.

But, as long as he can walk, he will be a certainty for France 98.

So too will Gallacher, given that he played such an important scoring role in qualification and has carried that fine form through in the League.

McKinlay has a large part of his foot in the door and should be a definite squad man at least.

But, between now and next summer, he hopes to prove himself worthy of playing a much more significant part in Brown's plans.

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