CHARLTON manager Alan Pardew endorsed Chris Iwelumo’s credentials as a future Scottish international in a glowing reference to manager Alex McLeish.

The 29-year-old striker, who arrived at The Valley from Colchester on a Bosman free in May, cited his ambition to play international football as a contributing factor behind his decision to move to London.

On Saturday he celebrated his international call-up for Scotland B with his third goal in a week as the Addicks beat Cardiff 3-0. It was also his seventh of the season.

Pardew afterwards disclosed: “Chris is a very patriotic Scot and I spoke to the Scotland manager Alex McLeish about him and he got a rave review from me.

“Now he needs to perform for Scotland B and I think he’s got a great chance for a full international cap.”

Iwelumo will get his chance on Tuesday when Scotland B play a friendly against the Republic of Ireland at Airdrie.

He said: “I was called up for Scotland B when I was at Stoke but because the club were in the promotion play-off semi-finals I had to withdraw.

“Now I’ve been given another chance which I want to make the most of.”