BILLY DAVIES, the Derby County manager, has urged former Rangers player Bob Malcolm to up his game and force his way into Alex McLeish's Scotland squad.

The 25-year-old has only played nine games for Davies' team after an injury in September but has established himself as an important part of the team in the last couple of months.

And Davies believes Malcolm should now be aiming to catch the eye of his former club manager, McLeish.

Davies said: "At his age, Bob Malcolm should be looking to perform week in, week out for Derby County, get himself fully fit and put in displays that can earn him recognition at international level.

"Bob made a good start for us on his debut at Wolves, but picked up a nasty ankle injury and is playing catch-up. He needs a good pre-season under his belt.

"If we want to be a side with a good reputation, then we want players to do well for Derby and go on to the international stage. If we are successful at club level then international recognition will come along."

Davies yesterday picked up his second Championship Manager of the Month Award for an unblemished January.

The former Motherwell manager guided the team to four successive wins last month to cement their place at the top of the league.

Davies, who also landed the prize in November, was chosen over Tony Mowbray, the West Bromwich manager.