Hammell was capped for scotland against Sweden in 2004

Motherwell defender Steven Hammell hopes his inclusion in the Scotland B squad for the Northern Ireland friendly will lead to more call-ups.

Hammell's only cap was in a 4-1 defeat by Sweden at Easter Road in 2004.

"It was one of the best moments of my career getting my cap," said the 27-year-old left-back, who is in his second spell at Fir Park.

"It's great to be involved - and it's a nice confidence boost too. Hopefully we can go out there and do well."

Hammell moved to Southend as they entered the Championship in 2006, turning down an offer from Aberdeen in favour of trying his luck in England.

He was a regular starter at Roots Hall after their relegation from League One but failed to attract interest from Alex McLeish or Walter Smith when the former Rangers managers were in charge of Scotland.

If Stevie could stretch himself a little it more and ask a few more questions of himself, he would be competing for the full squad, never mind the B squad Motherwell manager Mark McGhee

"Obviously I would have liked to have remained in the squad, but there was a few changes in managers," said Hammell.

"For one reason or another, it's not happened for me, but this is a great opportunity for me and the boys involved to go and impress and show what we can do."

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee said he was pleased for Hammell and the other three Fir Park players also included in the squad.

Mark Reynolds, Stephen Hughes and David Clarkson were all handed call-ups by Scotland manager George Burley and McGhee believes, if Hammell gets the chance to play, he could move on to bigger things.

"It gives the players an incentive to keep them on top of their game and it should be a big fillip to them being included," said the manager.

"It gives them an opportunity to put themselves in George's face, to go training with him and maybe playing in a game or show him what level they can reach.

"Next time around, whether it's directly into the squad or if someone withdraws or gets injured, he might remember them and put them in the full squad.

"I think Stevie is the biggest surprise to me, because I think he's a really good player, but he frustrates me at times because he plays within himself.

"If Stevie could stretch himself a little bit more and ask a few more questions of himself, he would be competing for the full squad, never mind the B squad."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version