Dundee United winger Gary Mackay-Steven could hardly wipe the smile off his face as he met up with his new Scotland mates at their Mar Hall base yesterday.
The Tannadice star has been a fixture in the under-21 squad but this is his first taste of life with Gordon Strachan’s senior set-up as they prepare for the clash with Wales on Friday.
The Thurso-born 22-year-old was nursing a “few knocks” from the Dundee derby but admitted it would have taken more than that to keep him out.
“Ever since the squad was named I have been buzzing,” he said. “I couldn’t wait to hook up with the rest of the squad, I am delighted to be here and I can’t wait for the week ahead.
“I got a few knocks yesterday and I have a few sore bits but nothing that a hot bath won’t sort out. There’s also a couple of masseurs here who will sort me out, but I’m all right.
“It was a derby so you are going to get tackles flying in all over. There was a sending-off (for a foul) on Richie Ryan and I got a few bumps and bruises but nothing more than usual to be honest.
“I am just delighted to be here, obviously. The squad is full of top-quality players so I am looking to mix with them and learn as much as I can from them and the coaches.
“No matter what, I know I will improve if I keep my head down and listen.”
Mackay-Steven discussed the “whirlwind” turnaround in his career in the past couple of years, admitting that international football was not on his radar when he was playing with Airdrie United before moving to Tannadice in 2011.
“Football is kind of crazy in that way it can change quite quickly,” said the former Liverpool youth player. “I was playing with Airdrie not too long ago and then went to United and it has been great ever since.
“It’s been a kind of a whirlwind but I have really enjoyed it and I hope it can continue.”
The Terrors’ wide-man will try to avoid mentioning the Gareth Bale factor which is likely to become the theme of the week. The Tottenham superstar scored twice when Scotland lost 2-1 to Wales in Cardiff in October but Mackay-Steven insists the Scots should concentrate on their own strengths in the return game.
“He is a player I admire. He is good to watch, he has got it all really and showing it every week,” Mackay-Steven added. “He is obviously a great player for them (Wales) and performing really well.
“But we have a lot of top players who play every week at a really high level and capable of doing Wales a lot of damage so we will concentrate on ourselves and our strengths.”
Scots assistant boss Mark McGhee said Mackay-Steven appears to already be settling in well.
“Gary seems to be enjoying himself here, getting to know the rest of the lads,” said McGhee. “He is going about the place wearing a big smile and I think he is happy to be here.
“Gordon (Strachan) and I have yet to sit down and have a serious chat with the lad and really get to know him.
“That will happen, though, and we are glad he is here and we think he is one who will be around these squads for a few years and will be a Scotland player on a consistent basis.”