Scotland manager Craig Levein has revealed that the family of Matt Phillips paved the way for the striker to earn his first international call-up.
Seasiders winger happy to switch allegiance
Scotland manager Craig Levein has revealed that the family of Matt Phillips paved the way for the striker to earn his first international call-up.
The 20-year-old Blackpool forward has been included in Levein's plans for a friendly date with Slovenia.
The England-born youngster has represented the land of his birth at U19 and U20 level, but qualifies to represent Scotland through his grandparents.
His selection in Levein's latest squad is still dependent on FIFA clearance being received, but that is expected to be a formality.
Levein admits he was not initially aware that Phillips was among those in contention to him, with his family having played a big part in making the Scottish Football Association aware of his eligibility.
"This is not one of those cases that we have been researching and found on our own," he said.
Proud
"This came from his family to us, if you know what I mean. It is quite a big decision, as you can imagine, to change nationality but he is very excited about the prospect of being involved.
"His grandfather is very proud I can tell you, and so is his family. Everybody has their own reasons for wanting to play for Scotland.
"But if he is half as successful as guys like James Morrison, Jamie Mackie, Craig Mackail-Smith and Phil Bardsley then I will be delighted.
"He is a young guy who has a tremendous amount of potential and I am extremely excited about him being involved for Scotland.
"I'm hoping that FIFA can push along the process and we can get him available for the game."
Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew is another notable inclusion in the Scotland squad, with Levein admitting that it is about time his versatility is recognised.
Form
"He has been in great form and I did try to bring him into the squad for the game in November in Cyprus but he had an injury," said the former Scotland defender.
"He is in the squad because he deserves to be, he has been excellent recently.
"I look to try to balance it up and make sure we have cover in all positions and from Charlie's point of view he can fill a number of positions which is handy."
One man who is once again missing from the Scotland ranks is Steven Fletcher, with Wolves' in-form forward still paying the price for having pulled himself out of contention for a friendly against Northern Ireland in February 2011.
"I just wondered when it would rear its head," said Levein.
"I can say to you that nothing has changed on the Steven Fletcher front. We are here to talk about people who are involved in the squad for the game in Slovenia, if you don't mind we will stick to that."
