Kris Boyd has been called into the Scotland squad for the first time in three years ahead of tomorrow's friendly match with Norway in Molde.
The 30-year-old Kilmarnock striker, who has also played for Rangers and Middlesbrough, last appeared for Scotland in a European Championship qualifying match, a 2-1 victory over Liechtenstein at Hampden in September 2010.
Boyd's recall follows Gordon Strachan's decision to allow the Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher, the Celtic midfielder Charlie Mulgrew and the Blackburn defender Grant Hanley to return to their respective clubs after Friday night's goalless draw against the United States.
Boyd played for the Scotland manager at Middlesbrough and last night the striker expressed his desire to add to his 18 caps and seven goals for his country. On the Scottish Football Association's official website he is quoted as saying: "I never gave up hope of playing for my country again and I am grateful to Gordon for giving me that chance.
"I have always felt I can make a contribution at international level and knew that if I kept working hard my chance would come again. Hopefully I can get involved against Norway and show people what I am still capable of at the highest level."
Strachan lost the Queens Park Rangerss winger Matt Phillips and the Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes from his original squad and, with Fletcher returning to the Stadium of Light, he needed attacking reinforcements. He had no hesitation in turning to Boyd, who has scored nine goals for Kilmarnock since arriving back at Rugby Park in February.
"Kris has always said he was determined to return to the international squad," Strachan said. "He is a terrific professional who works hard on his game. He is playing regularly again at Kilmarnock and that sharpness made him a natural choice when looking for a striker to replace Steven."
Boyd made himself unavailable for Scotland in October 2008 after falling out with then-manager George Burley. He was recalled by Burley's successor, Craig Levein, in February 2010, but his struggles at club level - he failed to settle at Middlesbrough, Eskisehirspor or Portland Timbers - saw him lose his place in the national set-up.
Hanley, meanwhile, experienced muscle tightness following Friday's draw with the USA. The 21-year-old was, however, encouraged by what he saw at Hampden and says the doubts that once plagued the side are gone.
"We need to head to Norway and hope we can keep our wee run going," he said. "It's all about momentum as we prepare for the next European Championship campaign.
"There is a difference in the mood in the camp from a few months ago. Before when we went into these games like Croatia away, we had nothing to lose. We were always positive, but that's not the same as believing you will win. But now that we are on the back of a wee run and our performances have picked up, we can take a bit of confidence into the games."
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