Pundit Exclusive: Leeds defender tipped to become 'Massive' star - 'I know for a fact'

Alan Hutton has tipped Leeds United centre-back Liam Cooper to become a "massive player" for Scotland in the build up to next summer's European Championship.

The former Aston Villa and Scotland full-back, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, has lauded the leadership, experience and balance the 29-year-old can bring to the backline for Steve Clarke's men.

Cooper, who made his international debut back in June 2019, picked up his fifth cap in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Slovakia.

The Scots qualified for next summers Euros with a penalty shoot-out win over Serbia in their play-off clash.

While Cooper remained on the bench for the crunch tie, Hutton has tipped the former Chesterfield defender to establish himself as a key player for his country.

Asked if he thought the Leeds man had a big part to play for Scotland, Hutton told Football Insider: "Well I think so, especially he (Clarke) is going for three centre-halves. I think it's always good to be balanced when you've got left and right footers, it just kind of evens up the team.

"He's obviously a leader, he's a captain and somebody with a big amount of experience, obviously coming from Leeds, playing in the Premier League. 

"I think he could be a massive player for Scotland moving forward with his experience and know-how. Everybody will be playing for their position, that's the thing now, there's something huge to look forward to.

"I know for a fact everybody - and I'm talking about boys that haven't been in recent squads - will be trying to lift their game to get to the Euros because it means everything to people in Scotland.

"It's going to be a huge time in front of everybody to work towards the summer."

In other Leeds United news, the Whites have been tipped to reignite a move for Rodrigo De Paul in January.