Kris Boyd has been called into the Scotland squad for the first time in three years ahead of Tuesday’s friendly meeting with Norway in Molde.
Dundee United’s Stuart Armstrong has also been rewarded for his form as captain of the the Scotland Under-21s, earning a step up to the senior squad.
It is Armstrong’s second senior call-up, after he was drafted into the squad for the World Cup qualifier against Croatia in May.
However, it is the return of Boyd that will be the major talking point among the Tartan Army.
The 30-year-old Kilmarnock striker, who has also played for Rangers and Middlesbrough, last appeared for the Dark Blues in a 2-1 European Championship qualifying victory over Liechtenstein at Hampden in September 2010.
Boyd’s recall follows Scotland manager Gordon Strachan’s decision to allow Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher, Celtic midfielder Charlie Mulgrew and Blackburn defender Grant Hanley to return to their respective clubs following Friday night’s goalless draw against the United States.
Boyd played for Strachan at Middlesbrough and on Sunday night the striker expressed his desire help his former boss while adding to his 18 caps and seven goals for his country.
He said: “I never gave up hope of playing for my country again and I am grateful to Gordon for giving me that chance. I have always felt I can make a contribution at international level and knew that if I kept working hard my chance would come again.
“Hopefully I can get involved against Norway and show people what I am still capable of at the highest level.”
Strachan lost QPR winger Matt Phillips and Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes from his original squad and, with key forward Fletcher returning to the Stadium of Light, he needed attacking reinforcements.
He had no hesitation in turning to Boyd, who has scored nine goals for hometown club Kilmarnock since arriving at Rugby Park in February.
“Kris has always said he was determined to return to the international squad,” Strachan said. “Now he has that opportunity again and I am delighted for him.
“He is a terrific professional who works hard on his game. Having spoken to a lot of people about him, they are of the same opinion as me – that Kris is an asset to any squad with his goalscoring capabilities.”
“He is playing regularly again at Kilmarnock and that sharpness made him a natural choice when looking for a striker to replace Steven.”
Boyd made himself unavailable for Scotland in October 2008 after falling out with then -manager George Burley.
He was recalled by Burley’s successor Craig Levein in February 2010 but his struggles at club level – he failed to settle at either Middlesbrough, Eskisehirspor or Portland Timbers – saw him lose his place in the national set-up.