Scotland new boy Jacob Brown has revealed how his international call up moved some of his family to tears.
The Stoke City striker was named in Steve Clarke’s pool for the first time for the vital World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Denmark.
Brown, 23, was born in Halifax but qualifies for Scotland because his mum is from Glasgow.
He revealed: “My family were the first people I rang when I found out. My Mum being from Glasgow she was over the moon.
“A lot of the family were in tears when they found out because it was such a big moment for me and my family.
“Everyone was really proud.”
Clarke only called Brown to confirm his inclusion 24 hours before his squad was revealed.
The former Barnsley star revealed: "I only found out the day before the squad was announced that I was going to be in it.
“My agents told me the gaffer was going to ring me and he did to have a chat with me and then it was announced.”
Brown had come close to a previous Scotland Under-21 cap but is now pleased to be getting his chance at full level.
The new boy claimed: “When I thought I was going to be picked for the under-21s it was going to be a great moment for me at that time but when I wasn’t in the team I was disappointed.
“That was a few years ago. I kept working hard and hoped the opportunity would come again and now to be in the squad is unreal."
Brown revealed former Scotland striker and Stoke teammate Steven Fletcher is a big influence on him.
“Fletcher said a lot of good things about me,” Brown acknowledged. “He is a top guy and he has helped my performances because he is such a good player.
“He has a lot of experience and is somebody I look up to and I try to learn as much as I can from him, on and off the pitch.
“He just told me they were all great lads and will help me settle in really quick.”
Brown is determined to take this opportunity with Lyndon Dykes and Ryan Christie suspended for Friday’s trip to Moldova. The frontman is aiming to impress at their Spanish training camp to put him into contention.
He stated: “It is good and a bit surreal. I don’t think it has really sunk in yet. I travelled on Sunday and met up with the rest of the lads and yesterday was the first training session.
“I don’t know how to put it into words because nothing like this has ever happened. I can’t explain the feeling. I am looking forward to the games coming up.
“Now I am here I just want to work hard, impress on the training pitch and settle in with the lads. “If I do get the opportunity I will give it all I have got.”
Scotland will look to seal their World Cup play-off spot with a win over Moldova and then they can go into their final game against group winners Denmark with the pressure off. Hampden is already a sellout and Brown knows it has the makings of a special night.
Brown, speaking to the Scotland national team’s Twitter, claimed: “I am buzzing for that. I have seen the atmosphere at the other games and if I was involved in that it would be an unbelievable experience.”
