Zander Clark is hungrier than ever to shine for St Johnstone and work his way back into the Scotland camp.
The Perth goalkeeper received a deserved national call-up back in August for World Cup qualifiers against Denmark, Moldova and Austria.
But he was then left out of the most recent squad by Steve Clarke which, understandably, went down as a big disappointment.
It has, however, fuelled his desire to impress further at club level and keep his hat very much in the selection ring.
“It was a great experience for me and one that I really enjoyed,” Clark said of his Scotland involvement.
“I’ve had a taste now. The quality of goalkeepers in the squad is promising for Scotland. It’s up to me to force my way back in.
“Once you get the taste for it, you want to keep yourself in the squad and in the manager’s thoughts. I need to put in the performances and if it comes about again then brilliant. I’m hungry for it.
“And even more so because of what is at stake. The boys are flying just now.”
Scotland’s current number one Craig Gordon lined-up opposite Clark on Wednesday night as Saints drew 1-1 with Hearts in Perth.
“There is 10 years of a difference but if I can still be putting in performances like he is at 38 or 39 I’d be delighted,” Clark smiled.
“That again is down to me to look after my body and do things properly. Craig has been excellent for club and country. It’s up to me to force my way into a squad that can hopefully qualify for a World Cup.”
Clark’s next chance to impress arrives this afternoon when Saints make the short trip to take on rivals Dundee United.
He expects there will be a few “early starters” heading through on the train and that a great atmosphere will welcome the team to Tannadice.
Clark told the PA: “It will be another test for us and we’ll again need to show togetherness.
“Dundee United are on a good run of form at the moment but we’ll want to put an end to that.
“It’s a game we’re looking forward to and one we’ll be working hard to prepare for. I’m sure we’ll take a good crowd. Everyone missed that last season.
“It’s a day out for the fans and I’m sure there will be a few early starters on Saturday morning. It will make for a good atmosphere. Hopefully we can send them back along the road happy – that will be our main aim.”
Saints enter this weekend on the back of a 1-1 draw with Hearts on Wednesday where Liam Gordon’s opener was cancelled out by Josh Ginnelly.
“We probably could have been a bit tidier on the ball to create more opportunities,” Clark told the PA.
“The goal we lose is frustrating from our point of view in terms of what has gone on in the middle of the park.
"But we showed a real togetherness in the second half after losing two of the back five at half-time. Credit to Efe Ambrose and Reece Devine because that was not an easy game to come into. They did well.
“We’ve got adaptability and anyone who comes in knows exactly what is expected of them. It doesn’t affect the rhythm of the team.”
