For manager Ivano Bonetti says he expects the 23-year-old midfielder to take more responsibility when he returns to Dens Park.

Rae was drafted into the squad for the first time for the World Cup qualifier against San Marino at Hampden Park on Wednesday.

He replaces Rangers' Barry Ferguson, who withdrew after suffering a recurrence of a rib injury in the 2-2 draw against Belgium.

Rae has been playing well recently and Bonetti said: 'I am obviously very happy for Gavin as he has been working hard all season. Now it is important for him to go and develop at international level.

'I have told him now he's an international this means he will have more responsibility with me and the club.

'I spoke with him this morning to congratulate him and he is very happy. It is very good news for Dundee as we now have a few international players.'

Rae dashed south from his home in Aberdeen this morning to the training camp at Troon, collecting his boots at Dens Park en route.

Manager Craig Brown plans to put him on the bench against the World Cup minnows, who arrived in Glasgow today.

Brown said: 'I won't be putting Gavin on from the start as that would be unfair on some of the guys in the squad, but he may get on at a later stage.'

Captain Colin Hendry is expected to shake off a bout of gastroenteritis and feature in the match.

However, Brown may ring the changes anyway as he expects a goal feast following the disappointing draw against the Belgians.

Anything less than an emphatic victory will put immense pressure on Scotland, especially as Croatia are beginning to look dangerous.

Brown wants his team to use Hampden's full width and that could mean a return to the starting line-up for winger Allan Johnston, who has been used sparingly by Rangers.

'Johnston has done well for us in the past and is in consideration for the match,' said the national coach.

Brown said he was delighted with the way the players have responded to Belgium's late equaliser.

'Training this morning was superb and I am proud to be with this group,' he said. 'They are up for the game against San Marino, no question of that.

'They didn't deserve what happened to them on Saturday and it would be wrong to single out any player for making a mistake.

'We all have to take collective responsibility and, of course, I am included in that.'

Belgium rattled up a 10-1 victory against San Marino and a similar scoreline would no doubt suit Brown.

He said: 'I am now looking for a comprehensive victory, hopefully by at least five goals and I expect us to be top on Wednesday.'