SCOTT BROWN is hoping to cap the most memorable week of his career - by winning a Scotland start against Italy. Brown came on for Gary Teale in the second half against Georgia.

And the Hibs midfielder, who has been linked with a summer move to Rangers, made an immediate impact, helping set up Craig Beattie's winner.

The outing, only the 21-year-old's second for his country, came just six days after he had helped his club romp to a 5-1 win in the CIS Cup Final over Kilmarnock.

And Brown is now dreaming of getting the nod from Alex McLeish for the showdown with Italy. He said: "It was an exciting game and I enjoyed being involved. To play for your country in front of a full house at Hampden is as good as it gets. Hopefully I did enough to show the manager what I am capable of. It would be great to play against Italy. Of course, the final decision on who plays in Bari is up to the gaffer.

"If I was to play against Italy it would continue the amazing run I have had after helping Hibs win the CIS Cup and helping Scotland beat Georgia."

Many in the Tartan Army would love to see Brown don the dark blue of his country once again against the Azzurri this week.

His direct playing style caused Klaus Toppmoller's side no end of problems.

Scott, though, will be happy just to be part of the Scotland squad in the Stadio San Nicola in front of an anticipated sell-out crowd of 58,300.

He added: "I am just starting to get involved with the national set-up. My goal is to keep getting called up. I will just take it from there. All the lads have been brilliant with me.

"We face a massive test on Wednesday, but our fans in Italy can help play a part in helping us get a result."