St Mirren goalkeeper Craig Samson has taken a massive boost from his Scotland call-up as he turns his focus back to club business.
The Buddies number one was drafted into Craig Levein's squad following doubts over the fitness of Allan McGregor and Matt Gilks ahead of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Macedonia.
McGregor was able to take his place between the sticks but, despite not making it onto the team-sheet, Samson is pleased his efforts with Saints have not gone unnoticed.
He said: "I was over the moon. I was on stand-by for the squad at first because Allan McGregor was struggling.
"To get called in was great and to be involved again was different class.
"It's a massive boost for myself to be involved.
"We've got guys in this country who are just top goalkeepers.
"The amount of goalkeepers who are out there is massive so it's good to be getting noticed and getting into the national squad."
Samson believes being involved with the national team can only help him improve as a player.
He added: "It's just good to be in amongst the squad of players, not just the goalkeepers.
"The players who are there are top players, playing in the Premier League. It's great for me to be involved.
"Every Scottish player wants to be involved, everybody wants to be with their national team so it's a massive honour."
Next up for St Mirren is the visit of Hearts on Saturday and, with just one win so far in the SPL, Samson is aiming for the three points.
He said: "I would have liked a few more clean-sheets this season. That's the way goalkeepers are, they always want clean-sheets.
"As a team, we've done well. We were poor against Hibs but, apart from that, we've been performing quite well.
"It's just about turning draws into wins. Hopefully we can get the three points on Saturday and take it from there."
