Scotland boss George Burley has told Derek Riordan he has still to prove himself at international level.
Hibs marksman told to step up his game on international scene
Scotland boss George Burley has told Derek Riordan he has still to prove himself at international level despite starting the season on fire.
The Hibernian striker has earned a recall to the national team for their friendly in Japan on 10th October after a blistering start to the SPL campaign, which has seen the forward score five times en route to landing September's player of the month award.
Riordan's only previous cap was against Austria in 2005 and, while admitting the former Celtic man deserves another chance, Burley has warned the 26-year-old he has needs to be a team player before becoming a Scotland regular.
"Being a proven goalscorer in the SPL could mean nothing," he said.
"We are talking about international football, we are talking about playing against the best players in the world.
"So I can't afford to have players that I'm going to carry, he's got to be a team player as well.
"If he does well in training and has the right attitude, he might get the opportunity.
"He deserves to be in the squad for what he has done this season, which is great, and hopefully he can follow that on."
Boost
Charlie Adam and Kevin Thomson were also boosted by returns to the national set-up and Burley has high hopes for the duo.
"I'm quite excited about bringing him into the squad," said Burley of Adam, who has flourished since quitting Rangers for a permanent move to Blackpool following a successful loan spell with the Seasiders.
"I was speaking to David Weir about him and David rates him very highly and other managers in England have spoken very highly of him.
"Sometimes when you are not in the team you can get a bit despondent but Charlie has taken the opportunity at Blackpool, he has done very well, and he's another player who deserves to be in the squad."
Rangers midfielder Thomson is fully fit again following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious knee injury and Burley is glad to have him back.
"Kevin has been very unfortunate," he added. "I spoke to Walter Smith two days ago and he feels he is almost back to his best, which is encouraging.
"There is no doubt he has missed a lot of football but Kevin is certainly capable of establishing himself in the team. He is one of a number of good, midfield players we have.
"It's great to have your talented players available and hopefully Kevin can have a clear run without injuries over the next few months.
"There is no doubt about his ability. We have seen it at Hibs and, of course, at Rangers."
