Until this week, Matt Ritchie had never even set foot north of the border let alone pulled on a coveted Scotland jersey.
But now that the Bournemouth winger has a first cap for his adopted country safely tucked away, Ritchie is keen to establish himself in Gordon Strachan’s set up moving forward.
The 25-year-old, who qualifies for Scotland on his father Alex’s side, did well on his Scotland debut against Northern Ireland in midweek and was instrumental in the winner – as it was his corner that Christophe Berra managed to head home.
Whether he features against Gibraltar on Sunday remains to be seen, but Ritchie has enjoyed every minute of his time with the Scotland camp thus far.
Indeed, even though his Bournemouth team-mates were sunning themselves in Dubai during the week, Ritchie revealed he has been far happier being with the Scotland squad based at Mar Hall in Bishopton.
“It’s been brilliant,” he told Courier Sport.
“It’s been a great experience and all week has been brilliant.
“Everyone’s welcomed me and I’m delighted with the win.
“You could probably tell I was a bit nervous first half because I wasn’t quite myself on the ball, but I felt I grew into the game personally and in the team as well.
“We missed a few chances first half but I thought as a team we were patient and we managed to get the ball.
“But the lads have been great.
“Darren Fletcher sat next to me in the dressing room and gave me some calming words, and just said to me to enjoy it.
“Everyone, to be honest with you, said to me: ‘Just relax and enjoy it and go and express yourself like you do at Bournemouth’.
“I was a little bit disappointed with my performance first half, but second half I was delighted that we won the game.
“All my family, my mum, my dad, my Mrs, my aunties and uncles from Scotland and some friends as well were watching, so it was definitely a proud moment.
“I’m hard on myself and I put pressure on myself, so I wasn’t happy with how I performed first half.
“But it was a bonus to be involved in the goal.
“The camp has been very upbeat and lively and I’m sure the win on Wednesday night won’t do that any harm at all.”
Given his performances for Bournemouth and now his country, Ritchie’s first foray into Scotland is unlikely to be his last.
Just as well then that he has liked what he has seen so far.
“It’s definitely warmer than I thought and the view from my hotel room is spectacular as well!” he joked.
“It’s a little bit like the first day at school.
“You don’t really know what to expect and although I’ve been around football for many years it’s still a little bit daunting.
“But everyone’s been great since I arrived.
“Whether I play on Sunday or not is down to the manager.
“I’m available for selection of course, but it’s up to the manager.
“He’ll have his plans I’m sure and if I can be part of them then great.
“If not, then I’ve had a great time and hopefully this cap can be the first of many.”
And although Ritchie was born in Gosport, his father has ensured he has been well groomed for playing for Scotland by drumming Flower of Scotland into him from an early age.
Asked if he sang the national anthem before kick-off on Wednesday, he concluded: “Word for word.
“My dad’s been singing the words to me for many years, so I had the gist of it anyway.
“People are entitled to ask questions but my dad is Scottish, so I’m Scottish.”