Scotland new boys seek to hit the ground running in Euro 2020 qualifier against Kazakhstan By Sportsmail Reporter Published: 21:14 GMT, 19 March 2019 | Updated: 21:14 GMT, 19 March 2019 Viewcomments Rookies Liam Kelly, Marc McNulty, John Fleck, Liam Palmer and Stuart Findlay took centre stage as Scotland stepped up their preparations for Thursday's Euro 2020 qualifier against Kazakhstan. Hibernian striker Marc McNulty and Sheffield Wednesday defender Liam Palmer joined John Fleck as the uncapped players in the original squad. Liam Kelly and Stuart Findlay, of Livingston and Kilmarnock respectively, could also win their first caps after being called in to replace the injured Jordan Archer and Charlie Mulgrew. Sheffield Wednesday defender Liam Palmer could win his first Scotland cap on Thursday Midfielder Kenny McLean told the Scottish FA website: 'We know Kazakhstan are going to have quality – it is going to be a tough game in tough conditions. 'The pitch isn't ideal but it's one we are looking forward to. We only come together so often so when we do come together we need to gel quickly and really hit the ground running. 'Getting off to a good start in the qualification campaign is massive. New boys Liam Kelly, Marc McNulty, John Fleck, Liam Palmer and Stuart Findlay fly the flag Scotland players train ahead of their crucial European qualifier against Kazakhstan 'We need to look at this as a massive step to take towards getting us into a good position. It's early stages of the competition, but it's maybe where the downfall has been in recent campaigns. 'Since the manager has come in there has been a progression. The boys have been playing better stuff than previously and we need to keep the momentum going and build on the performances. 'Looking back at the games we played — in particular the Israel game — we have looked at what we can improve on so we will look to improve on that and keep the momentum going.' Scotland striker Marc McNulty (left) shares a joke with midfielder John Souttar Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility