PHIL Bardsley has a way of playing which makes his place of birth all but irrelevant.

Any Scotland supporter inclined to disapprove of Bardsley's inclusion in the national side – he was born in Salford and is eligible only because of his Glaswegian father – have nothing to object to when they watch his performances.

Bardsley's commitment is beyond question. Aggression, focus and full-blooded effort are the characteristics which have made him a tenacious and influential figure for both Sunderland and his adopted nation.

Craig Levein even considers him potential captain material, if necessary.

Scottish audiences first became aware of the type of character Bardsley was when he was disciplined by Rangers during a loan spell there in 2006.

His 'offence'? Going in too hard on their lightweight Belgian midfielder, Thomas Buffel, during a non-contact training session.

His style continues to have him dealing with disciplinary issues.

Last month he was suspended for four games by the FA for a stamp on the Chelsea winger Juan Mata during a match at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, and in August he was sent off after two bookings in the derby against Newcastle.

Due to his latest suspension, Bardsley has not played for almost a month since that Chelsea match and is eager to return to action as Scotland's left-back against Liechtenstein tomorrow.

And he suggested he might even consider toning down his all-action style a little.

"I think I'm going to have to calm down a bit," the 26-year-old said yesterday. "It's costing me too much money in fines in the Premiership.

"It won't stop me going in for a tackle, but I just have to be more careful."