MATT Phillips last night revealed he would be prepared to continue playing as striker for Scotland in future after scoring his first international goal in the 1-0 win over Hungary in a friendly at the Groupama Arena last night.
Phillips, who plays as a winger for his English Premier League club West Brom, was asked to play as a centre forward for the national team once again by manager Alex McLeish.
The 27-year-old responded to the challenge magnificently by opening his account for his adopted homeland on his 11th appearance in the 48th minute and ultimately securing a morale-boosting triumph.
Read more: Neil Cameron: It felt like a start for this Scotland team - let's hope it is
He was only given the nod to play in attack in the absence of both Leigh Griffiths, the Celtic player who is out injured, and Chris Martin, the Reading man who was one of the experienced players omitted from the squad for the double header against Costa Rica and Hungary.
But the 6ft 1in forward stressed that he thoroughly enjoyed the role and would be happy to carry on if asked to play there in the friendlies against Peru, Mexico and Belgium this summer or the Nations League games later this year.
“I’m absolutely buzzing,” said Phillips. “It’s a proud moment for me and my family. And it’s great for us as a team because it’s a new group. But we’re starting to gel and putting in plenty of work in the training ground.
“It’s been a new role for me in my last couple of games for Scotland. I’ve been up front but I’m enjoying it and we’re working hard on it in the training ground and I’m delighted. We worked hard on the system in the last few days on the training pitch and there’s plenty of positives to take from both games. But it’s important to win games and this will give us confidence and the fans something to cheer about.
“We were missing a few strikers from the squad, but if I can step in and fill the void and help the team then I’m delighted to do it. The way I played up front suited my game, I like running in behind.
“A lot of the time I’m receiving the ball out wide anyway so it doesn’t really make a difference that I’m playing through the middle. But one thing I need to improve on and keep working on is hitting the target and scoring goals and then it will be a role I can step into.
Read more: Alex McLeish escapes from Hungary with a Scotland victory
“There’s nothing better than when the crowd are behind you and the Scotland fans are right behind us so it’s a joy to play for team.”
He added: “I’ve always said I need to get more goals and get myself into shooting opportunities. It was a well worked goal along with my strike partner on the night, James Forrest, and it was pleasing.
“There’s been a good buzz around the camp for the 10 days we’ve been together. It’s new ideas and new players and the attitude has been first class so it’s exciting.”
Scotland captain Charlie Mulgrew had a penalty but Phillips, who qualifies to play for this country due to under the grandparent rule, stressed the centre half had no need to apologise to him or anyone else in the squad.
“Charlie didn’t have to say anything after the game,” he said. “We’re a team and we’re out there together. Everyone misses penalites so it’s not a big deal and I’m just delighted to get the win and give us something to build on.
“There were positives despite the defeat against Costa Rica. We’re a new group still gelling together. We will take the positives from this and build for the next game.
“It’s been great for me to come away and get the goal and finish off with a win. It was a good team performance and it does wonders for your confidence.
“I’m available for the end of season games against Peru and Mexico and you could see from our performance here that everyone wants to be involved and show the manager what we can do.”
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