Barry Ferguson, who normaly is skipper, and vice-captain Stephen McManus will both miss the match.
Scotland boss George Burley said: “Darren has been an outstanding player for Scotland for a number of years.
“At the same time he has established himself as a regular player for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“Since I took over, his attitude towards playing for his country has been outstanding. He is a player who is always desperate to represent Scotland.
“It is a measure of his talent that at his relatively young age he has achieved so much for his club and will win his 40th cap for his country on Saturday.
“I know he will be very proud to lead the players out at Hampden on Saturday. He will do a great job for Scotland.”
