Scotland call-up a blessing

Stephen O’Donnell was trusted to go into Scotland’s back three against the world’s second best team – but still doesn’t feel like an international.

The Killie right-back was a surprise call-up for the summer trip to South America and featured against Mexico and Peru.

O’Donnell then played in Friday night’s defeat to Belgium, thrown into defence in the second half as Michy Batshuayi was running riot.

The 26-year- old is still getting used to being around the international scene – but he’s savouring every minute.

O’Donnell said: “I was pinching myself to be on the same pitch as some of the Belgium players.

“I wasn’t sure any of this would ever happen, never mind against a side like that. When I got the first call-up I wasn’t sure I’d get any game time. So to start both games in South America was incredible.

“A lot of boys don’t get that kind of chance.”

O’Donnell was hugely disappointed with the performance against the Belgians but bel ieves McLeish’s men will learn from the experience ahead of tomorrow’s Nations League opener with Albania.

He said: “Friday night was a friendly against one of the best teams around.

“A 4- 0 defeat isn’t good enough and we’d have liked to give the fans something to shout about.

“Now we’re looking to get a good start in the Nations League.”