Rhodes focused on Huddersfield

Rhodes focused on Huddersfield

Published Aug. 13, 2012 3:15 p.m. ET

Rhodes revealed seeing his name linked with numerous top clubs did not seem real, so he has had no problem maintaining his down-to-earth approach.

The 22-year-old - who is in line to make his first start for Scotland during Wednesday's friendly against Australia - has been linked with the likes of Fulham, Aston Villa and Blackburn while Celtic manager Neil Lennon is believed to be an admirer.

Rhodes, who hit 48 goals last season for Huddersfield and Scotland Under-21s, said: "Sometimes you might see your name in the paper but you think they are talking about someone else.

"You always dreamt of seeing your name in lights one day but you never thought it would come true.

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"While I'm still working as hard as I can, seeing my name in the papers linked with one club or another, it doesn't really seem that real. It seems surreal if anything.

"While it's fantastic and very flattering, you don't really take too much notice of it because you don't really think too much of it is true."

Lennon could move for Rhodes if Celtic qualify for the Champions League group stages but the Glasgow club could be priced out if Barclays Premier League clubs start bidding.

"It's not something that's on my mind at the moment," Rhodes said.

"I was a Celtic fan growing up and had all the jerseys, and went to the matches with my dad.

"It would be something as a kid I dreamt of doing, but they have got a fantastic club and I'm sure they will attract many a good player.

"Sometimes it might not happen but as a kid it would have been a dream come true."

Oldham-born Rhodes, whose father Andy played for Airdrie, Dunfermline and St Johnstone, is happy to let Huddersfield worry about his future while he concentrates on his football.

"I'm just working as hard as I can and concentrating on making myself a better player," said Rhodes, who made his full international debut as a late substitute in the friendly win over Cyprus in November.

"It's fantastic being part of the Scotland set-up and once the game finishes on Wednesday night all attentions will be focused on Cardiff on Friday night."

With Kenny Miller rested and Jamie Mackie out with a calf injury, Rhodes could start against Australia but he is not getting ahead of himself.

"I have not even thought about it," he said. "I have just thought about coming up here and getting settled and meeting everyone.

"The manager has so many great players at his disposal, whether it is me or someone else I'm sure we will be giving 100% on the night to try to get a good result for Scotland."

Miller is still firmly viewed as Scotland's number one striker but he turns 33 in December and his move to Vancouver Whitecaps has prompted discussion that his position might come under threat in the coming months.

But Rhodes does not see himself usurping Miller in the immediate future.

"No, because Kenny Miller has been a fantastic servant for Scottish football," Rhodes said.

"He has been a great role model to look up to and I'm sure he will feature greatly throughout the 2014 World Cup campaign. It's not my intention at the moment.

"The manager has so many good strikers to consider. I'll try to give it my best shot and work as hard as I can.

"It's great to learn off the likes of Kenny Miller and how he goes about his day-to-day business, how he applies himself and how he has become the player he has."

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