Andy Webster on how he can't buy into the idea of boycotting international friendlies in far flung places in the summer

Some cynics, mind you, might suggest that the entire team effectively went on strike that night as they went down 5-1 to an eager USA side who were eagerly gearing up for the World Cup finals under Jurgen Klinsmann.

Read more: Matthew Lindsay: Ill-advised South American sojourn promises to be every bit as bad as Argentina '78 for Scotland​

The pace of the training on that trip might not exactly have been breakneck – “Even I went for a game of golf that week and that is probably quite unusual!” jokes Webster – it isn’t long before personal and national pride kicks in and Webster, whose appearance was his first since the win against the Czech Republic in Craig Levein’s first match in charge, was simply delighted to be back in the national team jersey. By all accounts, certain Scotland players – not least those Celtic stars staring at crucial Champions League qualifying ties as early as July 10/11 are less enamoured about the prospect of being dragged to Lima and Mexico City for a pair of friendlies at the end of May and start of June. Talks have been scheduled with PFA Scotland as to whether taking on the games is depriving modern day players a requisite amount of rest.

“I did find that trip strenuous because training in the 30 degree heat is not ideal for a Scottish person!” Webster told Herald Sport. “We didn’t play well at all that night and deservedly got beaten off the back of it, but I don’t think it was particularly to our preparation - although the trip was quite relaxed. Our mindset was that we were going there for a friendly, while they were going to prepare for the World Cup and when there is nothing really at stake it can be difficult.

“From a personal point of view, any time you get the opportunity to play for your country I would have been there,” he added. “I can put my hand on my heart, look myself in the mirror and say that every time I was available for selection I went. I know that sometimes isn’t the case, although generally only for a small few.

“I think it is a massive honour, the pinnacle of your career. For me, having been in the Scotland set up at 21, then missed it for a longer period of time, I think that game in America was my first game back after a long period not being involved in international football. When you can’t do something you have done previously then you finally get that opportunity again you grasp it with both hands.

“But I get that everybody’s circumstances are different – some might be highly motivated for it, some might not. Maybe if these two trips had been a bit more glamorous people might be looking on them a bit more favourably, but when it gets to international football as a player you don’t get to pick and choose.”

If there was one piece of advice which sticks with Webster most in this regard, it was delivered by Walter Smith at Cameron House during his time as manager. “When I think back even to when Walter Smith took over, one of his first meetings at Cameron House. He said you have to make a commitment, you have to choose to come with the squad, whether you are starting on the bench, or up in the squad. You have to make that commitment that no matter what you are going. And if you can’t commit to that, then don’t bother coming.”

Read more: Craig Levein to allow Hearts players to travel with Scotland on summer tour

Making his debut that night was Matt Phillips, displaying a knack for international that sees him re-inserted as a mainstay some five years down the line. It could be that kind of case again, where if Celtic players opt out of the trip, places and opportunities are simply given to less heralded players at less fashionable clubs. It doesn’t help, of course, that Scotland don’t have a manager to reassure players where precisely they stand.

“I can understand what is probably going on with some senior players who have had long hard seasons and are playing at a level,” says Webster. “They do need a break as well so there is a fine balance to be struck. But in Scotland now they have introduced the winter break which is probably a huge benefit when you look at Brendan Rodgers talking about giving the players a rest and some freshness. There is always a balance about being in peak physical condition going into games, particularly big games.

“I can remember playing in a match in Belarus and within three weeks we were back in at Hearts ahead of a qualifier,” he added. “The boys who had been on international duty trained in the morning then went away home. Yes it will be inconvenient for some, but if it meant reaching an accommodation with Celtic players then I am sure the manager would try to work around, and get some time here and there which is convenient for them as a club. Everybody will have their opinions on it, but until there is clarity for whoever is going to take charge of the team, whether on an interim basis or a full time basis, and a plan of action is put into place that uncertainty is going to be there. Giving Celtic players time off might be an option the manager or whoever is taking the team at that point goes for but that doesn’t mean others won’t want the opportunity.”