Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Chris Iwelumo said it would be a dream come true if he was given his first international cap after being called up by Scotland.
The 30-year-old, who was born in Coatbridge, has been rewarded for his sensational start to the season with Wolves and now could line up against Norway in a World Cup qualifier at Hampden next week.
It has been a season of firsts so far for the former Charlton Athletic striker. He received his first red card during the victory over Preston North End and is currently serving a three-game ban; now, he could be handed a full cap to add to his one Scotland B honour.
“It’s fantastic news, I’m buzzing,” he said. “I was on the golf course on the golf day on Wednesday and the gaffer [Mick McCarthy] texted me to say he’d had Scotland manager George Burley on. I didn’t know what to do with myself but I upped my game on the golf course, that’s for sure!”
“I thought I might have as good a chance as ever this time round although obviously I never knew if the suspension would end it. It was so disappointing because I’d just got a hat-trick, was top scorer in the Championship and then picked up a three-match ban. So I thought I could be struggling but it’s just great I’ve been selected.
“It’s every player’s dream to represent their country or at least be involved in the squad and hopefully I’ll get a chance. It’s just a case of getting there and trying to impress and if I can, maybe I can stay in there.”
It’s also a case of third time lucky for Iwelumo when it comes to Scotland, as he has come close to a full cap on two previous occasions. He was due to be named in the squad for a 2002 summer tour of South Korea but his club, Stoke City, were involved in the play-offs.
He then impressed former Scotland boss Alex McLeish in a ‘B’ international against the Republic of Ireland at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium last year, only for the then-national coach to depart the job days afterwards and join Birmingham City.
“Some things are meant to be and some things aren’t - that’s just the way it goes,” Iwelumo said. “I went up there for the B game and enjoyed the week that I had.
“There’s more to come hopefully and I’ve just to go up there and show what I’m all about.”
Iwelumo was also quick to praise his Wanderers team-mates for their role in helping him gain full international recognition.
“I was having a look at the last national squad and there were probably four players over 30 in there,” he added. “It’s good to have that experience but this is a first for me. There are some great players in the squad and hopefully I’ll be able to show what I’m about. It’s been a long time coming but I’m just delighted it’s happened.
“I’ve consistently scored goals in the Championship over the last three seasons and that’s probably what’s opened the door ,as well as the form Wolves have been in so far this season. Long may that continue!
“I remember when the national anthem came on for the B game and it was unbelievable – imagine that at Hampden Park! All my family will be there and hopefully I’ll be involved.”
