Mark McGhee believes Scott Brown’s return to Gordon Strachan’s line-up is just the boost Scotland need to kick-start their flagging World Cup hopes.

It emerged yesterday that Celtic skipper Brown was considering a shock comeback at Wembley, just two months after announcing his international retirement.

And assistant manager McGhee confirmed that Brown had performed a U-turn on his decision — revealing it was “100 per cent” the midfielder’s decision to return to action for his country.

The former national team captain has been in scintillating form for the Hoops this term, rediscovering his best form under the guidance of new Parkhead boss Brendan Rodgers.

But while Brown, 31, has enjoyed a rampant start to the domestic campaign and a stand-out display in Celtic’s recent Champions League clash with Manchester City, his old Scotland colleagues have not had it so easy.

Strachan’s side have taken just four points from their opening three qualifiers and head south to face England in London next month knowing defeat will realistically kill off any lingering ambitions of making it to Russia in 2018.

However Motherwell boss McGhee — who doubles as Strachan’s number two — feels Brown has just handed Scotland the perfect pick-me-up ahead of facing the “Auld Enemy” on November 11.

Asked if his return would be the boost the team are looking for, McGhee said: “I think it is. It certainly is for me. When Gordon told me, I felt it was a big positive. I was delighted.

“I would imagine that when England look at our team, they would prefer Scott Brown not to be playing.

“We have a better chance of getting a result with ‘Broony’ than without him.”

Brown announced he was hanging up his international boots back in August after deciding to prioritise his Celtic career.

The midfielder looked a shadow of his former self at times last term as he struggled with tendonitis in both hamstrings.

But he has been back to his best this term and McGhee is thrilled by the prospect of him once again donning a dark blue jersey.

He said: “He is arguably the best player in Scotland right now. Certainly he’s the best Scottish player.

“If we have the best players available it will only help us.”