Scotland recall thrills Russell

Former Dundee United forward Johnny Russell is delighted he has stayed on Scotland’s radar despite pursuing his American dream, writes Ian Roache.

Russell scored 45 goals in 121 appearances for the Tangerines before making a £700,000 move to Derby County in the summer of 2013.

The 28-year-old was a big hit with the Rams before moving across the Atlantic to join Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City in January.

Russell has made an impressive start to his career Stateside and his reward came when he was named in national coach Alex McLeish’s squad for their current trip to the Americas.

He is only expected to link up with the rest of his fellow countrymen for next Saturday’s clash in Mexico, with Sporting due to play Columbus Crew just 48 hours before Scotland take on Peru this Tuesday.

Russell has not featured for his country since collecting his fourth cap in the Scots’ 6-0 victory over Gibraltar in October 2015 and is keen to make the most of his recall.

He said: “It’s one of the highest points in your career because growing up you always want to play for your country at any level.”

“Ihadspokentosomepeople backhomeandtheyhad askedmeaboutbeing involvedinthenationalteam andIsaidthatIstillfeelIcan givesomethingtoScotland.

“Ididn’texpectittohappen soquicklybecauseitwas literallyonlythreeorfour weeksago.

“It’snicetoknowthat, even thoughIamoutsidetheUK, therearestillpeople watching.

“Youneverknowifit’sgoing tobeoutofsight, outofmind typeofthing.

“Butit’sworkedoutreally wellformecomingouthere totheUSandit’sgivenme thatsparkbackinmygame.

“Iamjustthankfultheyare stillkeepingawatchfuleyeon whathappensoutsidetheUK aswell.

“Ithinkforyearsalotof peoplesawtheMLSasa retirementleague, butIthink it’sdefinitelyattractingmore youngplayersandit’s somethingthatI’vealways wantedtocomeandplayin.”