James McArthur admits he was fortunate to join up with the Scotland under-21 squad for the first time, but he hopes to have made the most of his good luck.
The Hamilton Academical midfielder was one of only three players in Billy Stark's squad at this week's Vale de Tejo tournament in Portugal not attached to a club in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League club, but anyone who witnessed his performance in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Ukraine would certainly not have considered him to be out of his depth.
McArthur admitted: "I'm really happy, as I shouldn't really be here. With players like Kevin McDonald and Ross McCormack not being able to make it, I got my opportunity. I just hope I've given the manager something to think about.
"I would say that I tired in the last 10 to 15 minutes against Ukraine as it was a very high tempo, but apart from the tiredness, I thought I did okay. Hopefully I will get another wee chance to show what I can do."
McArthur is often confused with James McCarthy, his 16-year-old club-mate who has switched allegiance from Scotland to the Republic of Ireland. But he believes the confusion will never arise at international level.
"I don't think I could persuade James to change countries,"McArthur added. "I play with him every week for Hamilton and it would have been great to play together for Scotland one day as he's a great talent, but I think he has made his mind up."
International recognition for McArthur has arrived on the back of a sparkling domestic campaign, with Hamilton in pole position to take the step up to the SPL. McArthur hopes to make that journey with them, but has set himself lofty targets, with or without his current club.
He added: "It's been a very good season so far for me and for Hamilton. We have done really well in the league and were unlucky not to get something against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup, too. Hopefully things can just get better.
"On a personal level, I'm delighted to get my first Scotland cap and to be playing every week for Hamilton. Hopefully we can get into the SPL or I can further my career elsewhere. I want the best for myself and to be playing against the best every week."
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