Jordan Rhodes in awe of Scotland team-mates
- Published
Huddersfield Town striker Jordan Rhodes admits he feels in awe of his new Scotland team-mates after joining the national squad for the first time.
The 21-year-old is delighted to be in line for his first senior cap in Friday's friendly against Cyprus.
"Probably something has not sunk in yet," he told BBC Scotland.
"It seems a bit scary to be walking in the corridors, sitting having meals alongside Darren Fletcher and the likes."
Rhodes has earned his senior call after his goalscoring exploits with Scotland Under-21s and is relishing being with the squad training in Limassol.
"There's so many good players in that room and there's still a big kid in me that's just in awe and my jaw dropped at the sight of being around a few of these good players," he said.
Rhodes, who qualifies for Scotland because he has more than five years schooling in the country, says switching to England, the country of his birth, was "something that never even came into my mind".
There had been suggestions that Rhodes had impressed England's scouts following his excellent scoring form with his League One club.
"I've always felt Scottish and, even when the ruling wasn't around two years ago, I was always asking questions, always trying to find a way to get in the Scotland team and searching the family tree," said the son of English-born former Dunfermline Athletic, St Johnstone and Airdrieonians goalkeeper Andy.
"I've always cherished the memories of my schooling time in Scotland. The question of whether I would switch never came into my mind."
Rhodes revealed that Huddersfield manager Lee Clark announced his call-up by national coach Craig Levein in front of the club's squad.
"Very shocked and happy at the same time," he said, recalling his reaction.
"All the players and staff came around and gave me a hug. They knew what it meant more than I did."
MK Dons defender Gary MacKenzie, Hearts midfielder Ryan Stevenson, St Mirren goalkeeper Craig Samson and Blackpool number one Matt Gilks are also all in line to earn their Scotland debuts.
Former Dundee centre-half MacKenzie is also playing in League One and admits he did not believe he was close to an international call-up - which made "one of the best days of my life" - despite being advised of the possibility by manager Karl Robinson.
Versatile Hearts player Stevenson thought it was a wind-up when he received the call and says he had to delay completing his house move to join the squad.
- Published8 November 2011
- Published2 November 2011