CHARLIE MULGREW today backed former Celtic team-mate Shaun Maloney to make as big an impact with Scotland as he has with Wigan.
The forward was instrumental in his club's successful fight for survival in the Barclays Premier League
And recent displays have earned him a recall to Craig Levein's squad for this weekend's friendly against the United States in Florida.
Maloney's last appearance for the national team was against the Faroe Islands in November, 2010, and Mulgrew believes his old Celtic team-mate has plenty more to offer the Scots.
He said: "Shaun is a top player and a top professional so it was no surprise to me to see him doing so well down there. There was no surprise there.
"Of course he can make an impact here – he is a top-quality player. We have seen him do it in the Premier League at the highest level so I'm sure he can make an impact for Scotland."
Mulgrew himself is hoping to earn only his second cap after an excellent season with the Hoops which saw him scoop a number of end-of-season awards.
He made his international bow in the last outing against Slovenia in February.
Asked if he feels he now needs to make up for lost time, he said: "Not really. I'm just trying to enjoy it. I've always wanted to play for Scotland and I just want to do my best and hopefully I can bring something to the team.
"This is the second time I've been called up so hopefully I can play in the game and do well. With every trip, you are looking to do better and better, and hopefully stay in the manager's plans. Hopefully I can do that on this trip and see what happens."
Mulgrew is keen to make a positive impact ahead of the September start ofthe World Cup qualifying campaign for Brazil in 2014.
He added: "It would be great to be involved. I've watched a lot of the games on TV and I've always been desperate to be involved.
"Hopefully I can be involved in this one and then just take it one game at a time."
The clash with the USA may have come at the end of a long, hard season, but Mulgrew says it is a challenge everyone is relishing.
He said: "Everybody is up for it. It doesn't matter when it comes around. To play for your national team, you've got to be ready for it and you've got to be up for it.
"There is always a sense of pride in pulling on the Scotland jersey and I'm sure all the boys feel the same and that's why everybody is here because they are all looking forward to it. To play for your country is a great opportunity."
Meanwhile, German legend Jurgen Klinsmann has named two players from Rangers in his 27-man United States squad.
Skipper Carlos Bocanegra and midfielder Maurice Edu are both in contention for Saturday's game in Jackson- ville.
However, there is no place for their club-mate Alejandro Bedoya, who endured a difficult debut season at Ibrox before finishing the campaign with a late flourish.