Young Rhodes relishes his emergence as a Scots star

Published on 06/09/2012 12:23

Jordan RHODES is hoping to kick on from his impressive international debut against Australia as Scotland prepare to open their World Cup qualifying campaign at Hampden this weekend.

The striker – who sealed a move from Huddersfield to Blackburn last month – has retained his place in Craig Levein’s squad after the outing at Easter Road which saw him claim his first senior goal for the national team in a 3-1 win.

Rhodes is now hoping to use what he has learned from the experience when the Scots host Serbia on Saturday, followed by Macedonia next week.

He told the Scottish FA’s 
website: “It was great to be part of it and great to be involved against Australia.

“I thought we played really well on the night and it is great for your development to come in to a team alongside players of that ability.

“It is not just the character they show on the field but off the field; the charisma of the senior players such as 
Charlie Adam, Gary Caldwell and James Morrison.

“There were a few new 
players against Australia and having that experience around you gives you a tremendous 
insight into what it takes to 
succeed at international level.

“It is great to learn from the senior players and hopefully I can take what I have learned into the qualifiers if I am fortunate enough to be involved.”

Scotland hope to make their mark early on in a tough group, which also includes Wales, 
Belgium and Croatia.

Rhodes added: “This week it is about focusing on the task in hand and that’s getting off to a good start against Serbia and getting us into contention early.

“People talk about how many points we need here or there but it is not important – we will need as many points as it requires for us to qualify.

“All I know is that the squad assembled by the manager will be doing their utmost to get off to the best possible start.”