Kris Boyd claims the “giant step” he has taken towards the rehabilitation of his Scotland career is partly down to taking his coaching badges.
Some eyebrows were raised on Sunday when the 30-year-old Kilmarnock striker was called into Gordon Strachan’s squad for the friendly against Norway in Molde on Tuesday night.
The former Rangers and Middlesbrough player last appeared for the Scots in a 2-1 European Championship qualifying victory over Liechtenstein at Hampden in September 2010.
A rejuvenated Boyd has scored six times in 12 appearances for Killie this season but has been praised just as much for his all-round play, a contrast to his younger days when he was viewed almost solely as a penalty-box striker.
Speaking at the Scotland team hotel before flying out of Glasgow airport on Monday afternoon, he revealed how working towards his ‘A’ licence has helped give him a better understanding of the game.
“It has helped me, it has opened my eyes to the game,” said Boyd. “You have more appreciation for the game, you realise that it is not just about you, it is about the full team.”
The Rugby Park hitman and Dundee United midfielder Stuart Armstrong were called up by Strachan following the withdrawal of Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher, Celtic midfielder Charlie Mulgrew and Blackburn defender Grant Hanley, while Leeds forward Ross McCormack and Blackpool keeper Matt Gilks have subsequently withdrawn.
Strachan, looking to build on the goalless draw against the United States in the Vauxhall International Challenge match at Hampden Park on Friday night, was encouraged by the enthusiasm Boyd showed at his press conference and during training.
The former Celtic and Middlesbrough boss was keen to stress that age is no barrier to selection.
He said: “That (enthusiasm) is what we want from everyone that turns up, whether they be 18, 29 or 35. Gordon Greer turned up at (almost) 33, full of the enthusiasm of a kid of 17/18.
“That’s what we want when you get picked for Scotland. It’s not a chore, it’s something that you really want to do.
“The squad is open to anybody, age is no barrier – whether you are 17 or 33, age is no barrier.
“I went to watch the under-21s and from there I asked Stuart to come along.
“Kris has played well at his club. He has had a good month and he looks good. He brings a bit of life to the squad. We have good characters but he adds to it.
“We have been together for about eight days, which is hard work, and he has come along and given it a boost.
“I worked with him for a small time at Middlesbrough and he showed the same enthusiasm for training and for football.
“He knows he won’t be starting tomorrow, but he could possibly get on.”