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Page last updated at 12:41 GMT, Saturday, 21 March 2009

Riordan upset over Scotland snub

Hibs striker Derek Riordan
Derek Riordan won his only Scotland cap against Austria in 2006

Hibernian striker Derek Riordan is surprised he has been left out of the Scotland squad for the World Cup games against Netherlands and Iceland.

"I had an eye on the Scotland squad when it was announced because you want to play for your country," he said.

"I've got nine goals this season and I am top scorer at Hibs.

"If Steven Fletcher and David Clarkson are getting picked yet they're on less goals or the same as me then I must be doing something right."

Riordan has been frozen out of the international scene since he won his solitary cap against Austria under Walter Smith in 2006.

"People talk as though I'm not fit enough yet, but if I'm doing this only half-fit, I must still be doing a decent job to be top scorer," he said.

"I can still do better, but I'm scoring goals and that's my strength along with setting up goals."

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Riordan had previously publicly voiced his unhappiness at being given so few first-team chances during a two-year spell with Celtic before his return to Easter Road.

And he admits that his reputation could be counting against him.

"I think it is," he said. "People say I don't work hard, but I think, since I came back here, I've worked a lot harder than I used to first time round.

"I've got the one cap, but I've had no contact from George Burley.

"I've just got to concentrate on my club football and I want to finish top scorer. That's what I want to do every season.

"I'm happy with the way things have gone for me. I'm still scoring goals."



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