Stephen O'Donnell ready for Scotland chance
The Kilmarnock defender was called up after a raft of call-offs
Kilmarnock full-back Stephen O'Donnell believes Scotland's Peru and Mexico trip is perfect for him to show Alex McLeish he has what it takes at international level.
The 26-year-old gained his first call-up replacing Barry Douglas after the Wolves full-back dropped out ahead of the post-season friendlies in Lima and Mexico City.
O'Donnell had no qualms about being called into an already inexperienced and makeshift squad after being originally omitted and is excited about the chance to show boss McLeish that he is up to the job.
He said: "There have been better players than me who have gone through their career without getting a call to represent their country.
"And a trip to Peru and Mexico, two massive countries that are in the World Cup - if there is ever a place for you to go to try to show that you belong somewhere, it is against two teams who are going to be competing in the biggest competition in the world.
"I am excited and I did not hesitate one bit to say yes.''
O'Donnell almost ignored the phone call which confirmed his first call-up for the senior national squad.
The former Partick Thistle defender said: "I was having a coffee with Michelle Evans (of PFA Scotland) and I got the phone call.
"I looked down and I was going to hang up. It was an 0141 number and I thought it was PPI (Payment Protection Insurance) or something.
"But Michelle said, 'that's Hampden' and I got a bit excited and took the call and I was delighted.
"There was a part of me which thought I had half a chance of getting into the original squad but I wasn't.
"At the start of the season I wouldn't have dreamed of being in it but when I got that call I was on cloud nine.''
It is widely believed that the left-back position is Scotland's strongest with Champions League finalist Andy Robertson of Liverpool, successive treble-winning Kieran Tierney of Celtic and Douglas all vying for the spot.
However, O'Donnell believes the other side of the pitch has its own challenges.
The former Scotland Under-21 cap said: "I just need to try to take this opportunity to show the staff what I am capable of and if that leads to future calls I will be delighted.
"Ryan Fraser, Callum Paterson and James Forrest have all played right wing-back and they have all been brilliant so I am not naive to think I should be knocking on the door.
"But if I do myself justice I will have half a chance.
"Like every player on this trip, you want to make a name for yourself and show the nation that you are capable of performing at the top level.
"It is international football. I am delighted I am going and I am going to be doing my best to be in future squads.'