Charlie Mulgrew is in serious contention for a Scotland jersey against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin despite not having started a game for five and a half months.
When Mulgrew came on as a half-time substitute for Celtic against St Johnstone last Friday night it was the first time he had featured since the Hoops’ 1-0 win over Partick Thistle at Celtic Park on December 3.
He has been sidelined since by a serious knee injury.
However, with his man-of-the-match display at the heart of the Scots’ midfield against the Irish at Parkhead in the Euro qualifier in mid-November is still fresh in the memory of all who were there that night, it looks like he will be handed a key role by national coach Gordon Strachan.
Mulgrew will get a chance to prove his fitness at international level when Scotland play their friendly against Qatar at Easter Road on June 5 before heading over the Irish Sea for the massive Group D match at the Aviva Stadium on June 13.
If Strachan likes what he sees against the Qataris then the Celtic man is odds-on to start what is one of the biggest games in the national team’s recent history.
“I met Charlie socially four weeks ago and he did say he was hoping to get back before the end of the season,” said Strachan.
“He seemed confident about that.
“Sometimes when you come back from an injury the adrenaline, that excitement about being back, keeps you going for the first month so we’ll wait and see how he is.
“He gives you a lot does Charlie.
“He has composure, height, there is the possibility of scoring a goal, and he delivers crosses.
“There is a lot in Charlie’s locker.
“I thought he was absolutely terrific against the Irish but I have to say that I could pick a few games Charlie has been terrific in.
“In any big game I have seen him in nothing bothers him.
“There is a calmness about him and playing in the Champions League gives you that added experience of playing big games.
“You know how to handle it and how to prepare yourself for it.
“So it’s a huge bonus to have him available.”
Indeed, Scotland have a right couple of Charlies back in the mix, with Charlie Adam also making his way back into Strachan’s selection.
The Dundonian last featured for the Scots in the March 2014 friendly against Poland and hasn’t always seemed to fit in to the way Strachan wants Scotland to play.
However, he has been in excellent form for his club side Stoke City in the Premier League in England and his national boss is happy to given him another chance.
Strachan said: “Charlie and myself had a conversation about this a long time ago so Charlie knows exactly how I think.
“The conversation will be kept private but he knows exactly my thoughts.
“Sometimes it’s hard for players because they are playing well in a team but it’s a completely different system from what we’re trying to do.
“That can be a problem for some players.
“It’s very hard being left out because people will say he can’t do this and he can’t do that.
“It’s just that this team play in a certain style.
“It might be different from your own club where you might be successful.”
Another man who has had trouble fitting in despite having obvious ability is Jordan Rhodes and the Blackburn Rovers man has been left out again.
That is good news, though, for on-form Celtic frontman Leigh Griffiths.
Strachan said: “Griff has caught my eye with what he has been doing at Celtic.
“He has never been away from the plans, really.
“He has always been on the edge of things for us and sometimes you just pick one player over the other.
“We usually have consistency with the same 20 players or so and chop and change two or three. That’s what we have done.
“You try to imagine what’s coming.
“Jordan will probably feel a wee bit let down, well maybe not let down but disappointed.
“That can happen.
“It is not easy when you are left out.”
The first part of the double-header will see the Scots host Qatar at the home of Hibs, with the Qatar Airways Cup being dished out to the winners.
The Scots will meet up on June 2, with the clash against the Qataris three days later.