The Partick Thistle midfielder was part of the Scots side that played in a friendly match with Greece earlier this year and has done enough to win his place in the 22-man group for the upcoming Euro 2015 qualifier against Luxembourg.

The match, which will be played at St Miren Park on Monday March 25, is our first fixture on the road to the finals in the Czech Republic in two years time.

Bannigan has been in superb form for the Jags this season but wasn't holding out for more international recognition.

He said: "I am delighted to be back in the squad. It was great to get the call-up the last time and it was a great experience for me.

"I didn't expect to get called-up again so I am delighted to be named in the squad.

"It will be a strong squad so for me to be there and be a part of it is great.

"I never let myself down the last time and that was the most important thing. I thought I held my own and did well.

"It was a different level and a tough game but I was pleased with how I did.

"It was good to be able to see if I could handle it but I didn't expect to get the phone call again. I was delighted to hear the news though."

While Bannigan will meet up with Stark's squad as the Under-21 manager looks to get his side off to a flying start in the qualification campaign, there is no place for Firhill team-mate Stephen O'Donnell.

The right back was also handed his international debut in the Greece clash and Bannigan reckons it won't be long until his Partick peer is back in the Scotland fold.

HE said: "Stephen has been different class all year for us. I am sure he will just keep working away at Thistle and will be there or thereabouts next time. He has got a big future ahead of him.

"The last game maybe came at a bad time for him, he was just back after a few weeks out.

"He had played so well before that and I am sure he will get back to that high level and back in the squad again."

Before Bannigan can start dreaming of his competitive bow on international business, the midfielder has a title race to concentrate on as he bids to help Partick Thistle back to the top of the Irn-Bru First Division.

The Jags' trip to Raith Rovers tonight has been postponed, leaving them second in the standings behind leaders Morton.

Bannigan said: "It is disappointing to have the game called off. We were hoping we could win and go back to the top of the league.

"We will get a good week of training under our belt now and then just prepare for Saturday.

"We have not had much luck with games in Fife recently, we have still got Raith to play and a couple of trips to Cowdenbeath as well.

"If you want to win the league, we need to go there and win.

"The games in hand are nice to have but we want to get back to level games-wise with Morton and then we can see where we are.

"The games in hand don't count for anything unless we win them."