Scotland midfielder Stuart Armstrong says the introduction of new faces has brought a freshness to the national team ahead of Thursday's friendly with the Netherlands.

Malky Mackay has called up eight uncapped players in his squad, including Aberdeen pair Ryan Christie and Graeme Shinnie, Nottingham Forest forward Jason Cummings and Rangers' Ryan Jack.

Celtic star Armstrong made a stunning Scotland debut during the World Cup qualifying campaign, putting in a man of the match display against Slovenia.

Since then Armstrong has nailed down a starting jersey.

The 25-year-old says the early signs suggest some of the uncapped players will soon follow in his footsteps despite criticism of the squad selection from pundits.

He said: "I'm sure I speak for all of the team when I say that the new faces have integrated very well.

"Certainly when I came in last campaign I was desperate to impress and I'm sure these guys are just the same.

"It's the manager who picks the team, it's his prerogative. In training the quality has been great and we're all ready to go."

He added: "Every player knows how to get the best out of themselves. It's just about playing your normal game, that was my philosophy, and trying to do your best."

While Scotland ultimately failed to secure World Cup qualification, they ended the campaign strongly.

Armstrong said the squad must take full advantage of the momentum they have built.

"I think there has been a lot of good elements to our game so it's about building on that," he said.

"It's not a sense of making huge changes but with new personnel there will be new elements to our game.

"The feel-good factor is still there, we are all feeling positive and playing well at our respective clubs."