St Mirren defender Jason Naismith hopes to follow Lewis Macleod by beating a path from Scotland's Under-21s into Gordon Strachan's first-team.
The 20-year-old right-back received his first ever call-up to Ricky Sbragia's Dark Blues youth set-up last week before being given an 18-minute run out in their 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Thun.
But while Naismith was making his introductions with the rest of the Under-21s squad, Rangers midfielder Macleod was doing the same with Strachan's side.
Macleod, also 20, was called-up to the squad ahead of the Republic of Ireland Euro 2016 qualifier on Friday and Wednesday's friendly with England.
Although he did not make it off the bench for either game, Naismith insists his friend's involvement was an inspiration to his fellow youngsters.
He said: "It was good to get away to Switzerland with the Under-21s - it was quite a change of scenery from Paisley.
"It was a great experience. You are always learning as a footballer. Playing in a different country against top quality players who have played in the Champions League.
"I've seen guys like Lewis Macleod make the step up to the full Scotland side having played for the 21s and that just gives you confidence and the hope you can do something similar.
"I know Lewis well and have watched him play a couple of times myself this season. He has been outstanding and totally deserves his call-up.
"It's incredible to see someone who is only 20 years old in that environment and it is an inspiration to young guys like myself."
If the Saints defender is to make that step-up, however, he will have to help Saints improve their shocking defensive record.
Tommy Craig's men have not kept a single clean sheet this season having shipped 22 goals in 13 Scottish Premiership matches.
With high-flying Hamilton next up at New Douglas Park on Saturday, Naismith says it will require a combined effort.
"We need to start keeping clean sheets," he said. "We haven't had one this season and that is not good enough.
"But it's not just down to the back four. The whole team need to take the onus and try to improve that.
"Hamilton have been really organised in defence while also scoring a lot of goals. They have been the perfect team so far.
"They had a wee dip recently but that was always going to happen because they are a young side."
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