Gary McAllister has urged Villa midfielder Barry Bannan to show the world his undoubted potential when he lines up for Scotland against Brazil on Sunday.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who is currently on loan at Championship club Leeds United, is set to be in the Scotland’s line up for the international friendly at the Emirates Stadium.

And Villa assistant boss McAllister believes that, while Bannan is relatively well known on these shores, if he impresses against Brazil in front of a huge global television audience it will take his reputation to a whole new level.

McAllister said: “It is a great opportunity to test yourself against the world’s best as far as I’m concerned. I know Spain are the World Cup holders but I always feel that Brazil bring something very special.

“It is a high-profile game against some of the best players in the world so it will be a good game for him and for Scotland.

“Sometimes at this stage of the season you get these so-called meaningless friendlies but this game has got a bit of spice because of who the opponents are so everybody will enjoy it. Of course, it gives him the chance to make a name for himself on a global stage.

“If you can influence the game against Brazil, even though it’s a friendly, people are going to sit up and take notice.”

The Villa No 2 admitted there was a hint of jealousy that Bannan will get the chance to play against the famous yellow shirts having twice missed out himself.

McAllister said: “Barry is lucky because I never got that opportunity as I was injured for the opening game of France ’98 when Scotland played Brazil.

“I had a cruciate knee ligament injury so I didn’t quite make the World Cup in France and I was also on the bench when Scotland played Brazil in Turin at Italia 90, so I’ve never played pitted my wits against the Brazilians.”

McAllister also felt that Bannan has benefited from his loan spell at Leeds rather than just cameo appearances for Villa.

He said: “The good thing for Barry going to Leeds United is that he will have the chance to play in front of a crowd that is very expectant.

“So there is pressure at Leeds United which is very similar to what he would get here at Villa.”