I feared cap career had been flushed down Kazi

Liam Palmer feared for his Scotland future after his debut disaster in Kazakhstan.

But now the Sheffield Wednesday defender wants to nail down the right- back slot for the Euro 2020 play-offs in March.

The 28-year-old was handed his international bow by former Scotland boss Alex McLeish at the start of the qualifiers – but was bombed out after one game.

The 3-0 defeat in Kazakhstan was the beginning of the end for the manager while Palmer was dropped for the next match.

He admits that was a steep learning curve for him at this level.

But after regaining his place under new national gaffer Steve Clarke, he’s determined to play his part in getting Scotland to the Euros via next year’s play- offs.

Palmer said: “Coming in and having that result straight away, you know there are going to be changes.

“I’d only had one cap and the manager hadn’t seen much of me at the time. So it was understandable really.

“I was bitterly disappointed, of course. It was a learning curve, of what’s required in terms of my preparation when travelling away and the things I could have done better. “You have to use that and put a positive spin on it for the next time when I was a bit more clued up.

“I’ve learned on the job and gone on from that point.

“Hopefully now, with good club form, I can keep knocking on the manager’s door.

“We’re looking forward now and our objectives haven’t changed from the start of last week.

“The play- of fs in March are something to look forward to and build towards – and I want to be involved in the two games.

“We want to win and go to a major tournament. That’s why we’re all here so I’d be lying if I said otherwise.

“Hopefully I will get the call up again and we can pick up two good results.”

After Scotland’s 6- 0 win over San Marino at Hampden a week ago, Palmer’s Hillsborough pals Steven Fletcher and Barry Bannan were straight on the blower.

Clarke could do with veteran striker Fletcher in his squad due to his lack of striking options. At the moment, the 32-year-old has asked not to be involved as he manages niggling injuries.

But Palmer is still hopeful that his Owls mate can get back in a dark blue shirt.

He said: “It’s dif ficult to say whether or not Fletch will be back. But he has been in great form.

“He has struggled with injuries but is getting through them. It would be great to see him for Scotland again, the way he has been playing.

“I’ve been with him for four years and he has performed brilliantly. He’s one of our best players.

“He’s a big focal point for us in terms of his goals and what he brings to the team.

“He’s someone you want to play, he’s our heartbeat really.

“We know what he can give to Scotland after his performances in the Nations League. He brought that presence and gave the boys someone to play off. The attacking players love someone like that.”