Peter Houston insists Steven Fletcher is not a guaranteed starter in Scotland’s forthcoming World Cup qualifying double header.
The Sunderland striker ended a 20-month exile from the national camp last week, after mending relations with manager Craig Levein.
Having scored five goals in five English Premier League appearances this season, the hopes of the Tartan Army are pinned on the former Hibernian man to revive a campaign which has so far yielded just two points from two home games.
Scotland take on Wales in Cardiff on Friday night, before travelling to face Belgium next Tuesday, but the assistant boss has said there is no certainty of Fletcher replacing, or joining, Kenny Miller in attack.
Asked if there was pressure on the manager to pick Fletcher, Houston replied: "Absolutely not. Why would we feel pressure? It is a squad game.
"You pick a squad then you pick a team. You have two games coming up.
"I haven't spoken to the manager regards whether he is going to play or not.
"I think the biggest thing at this early stage is making sure everyone is fit.
"It might be that he is picked in two games, it might be that he is picked in one game, he might not be picked at all.
"It is something that has not been discussed. But to say there is pressure, then I would say no.
"What Steven and Craig has done has put all things in to the past and look forward.
"It is done and dusted and we have a team to pick for Friday and Tuesday and Steven Fletcher is included in that squad. Whether he plays or not, it is far too early to decide that.
"It won't be awkward if we play him or don't play him. He is here in the squad and is happy to be in the squad."
