West Brom skipper Derek McInnes was shocked to earn his first call-up for Scotland - because he thought he was too old.
West Brom skipper Derek McInnes was shocked to earn his first call-up for Scotland - because he thought he was too old.
McInnes has been named at the age of 31 by Scotland coach Berti Vogts in his squad for the friendly against Denmark and the European Championship qualifier with the Faroe Islands.
The former Rangers midfielder has been backing Vogts' decision to opt for younger blood as was demonstrated during the recent tour to the Far East.
But now McInnes, who led the Baggies back into the Premiership after a 16-year absence, is determined to try to impress and cement his place in Vogts' plans for the Euro 2004 campaign.
McInnes said: "I thought the chance had passed me by. I was 31 last month and not many people get their first cap at that age. I've never been involved at any level for Scotland before - it's a big thing for me.
"I've agreed with what Berti Vogts has been trying to do, his philosophy of trying to pick as many people under the age of 24-25 as possible and there were a lot involved on the Far East tour.
"I was hoping that if I was playing well and consistently for West Brom then an international call might become a possibility.
"But for it to happen now is brilliant and I am determined to try to make the most of it. All I would really like is to play for Scotland and then the ball is in my court.
"You will then be able to look at yourself and say 'I've done enough' or 'I haven't done enough' in terms of trying to stay in there."
McInnes added: "I don't think Berti has seen too much of me and it is important I try to impress him early on.
"It's big thing for me and to play in a World Cup or a European Championship has got to be something to look back on when you've finished playing.
"I'm no different and I'm hoping to establish myself with Scotland. I know Berti is in a rebuilding process for Scotland but thankfully he has found room for a 31-year-old!"
Full squad: R Douglas (Celtic), P Gallacher (Dundee United), N Sullivan (Tottenham Hotspur); G Alexander (Preston North End); S Crainey (Celtic); C Dailly (West Ham United), M Ross (Rangers), R Stockdale (Middlesbrough), D Weir (Everton), L Wilkie (Dundee); B Ferguson (Rangers), S Gemmill (Everton), P Lambert (Celtic), Derek McInnes (West Bromwich Albion), K McNaughton (Aberdeen), D Matteo (Leeds United), G Naysmith (Everton), S Severin (Hearts), G Williams (Nottingham Forest); S Dobie (West Bromwich Albion), Allan Johnston (Middlesbrough), Kevin Kyle (Sunderland), N McCann (Rangers), Steven Thompson (Dundee United).