Loan move provides Scotland springboard for Motherwell's Barry Maguire
The defender moved on loan to Queen of the South in January
Barry Maguire believes his Scotland Under-21 call-up has vindicated his decision to take the low road through the Ladbrokes Championship.
The Motherwell defender's January loan move to Queen of the South has paid off already with his first call-up to Scot Gemmill's squad of young guns.
The centre-back has racked up seven appearances for Gary Naysmith's Doonhamers and notched his first senior goal as he helped the Dumfries outfit stun second-tier league leaders Ross County in a 4-0 win just days after making his Palmerston move.
Now he believes he is on the right path for future success as he prepares to make his international debut against Mexico in friendly clash in Marbella on Friday.
The 20-year-old told the Scottish Football Association website: "I'm just focusing on working hard this week to try and be in the team, first and foremost.
"Getting first-team football for Queen of the South has helped me and I know I still have a lot to learn, but for games like these and trips like this one, I know I can take a lot from them.
"The biggest thing I'm guaranteed to take from this is a hunger to push on. When I got the call-up to be a part of the squad it gave me confidence that my performances in the Championship were putting me on the right path.
"Now, to be out here representing my country is something I'm so proud to be doing, and I'm grateful to the manager and the coaching staff for giving me this chance - I just need to be sure I take it. I know I'm ready to.''
Maguire is surrounded by plenty of familiar faces, with fellow Fir Park academy graduates Allan Campbell, David Turnbull and Jake Hastie also involved in Gemmill's set-up.
And that should make the step up a smoother process, according to the Bellshill-born stopper.
"Having three of my close mates around me has certainly been a good thing for me,'' he said. "To be honest though, the whole group have been great - it's made the experience even better so far.'