Manager Walter Smith was thrilled to see Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot mark an impressive Scotland debut with a goal against Iceland on Wednesday.
"He played very well and it was a bonus for him to get the goal," said Smith.
"I'm not surprised, he's a keen lad and he wants to do well. You won't meet many more dedicated professionals.
"There are still parts of his game that have to be tidied up like anyone else, but we have been delighted by the way he has been progressing."
Broadfoot was a late call up for Scotland's World Cup qualifying double-header with Macedonia and Iceland.
Following the defeat in Skopje, the former St Mirren full-back was given a chance in Reykjavik and headed home the opening goal in a 2-1 win.
"Everyone at Rangers was delighted that he did so well the other night," said Smith.
"Anyone who has followed him over the last year since he came to us must be impressed by the way he has handled the situation.
When a manager is being put under pressure before he has played a competitive game, I don't think that's a good environment for anybody
Walter Smith on George Burley
"He has played against top European opposition and has handled the league situation well.
"He's a confident lad, otherwise he wouldn't handle a lot of the situations he's been in over the last year.
"That confidence comes through and helps him a great deal in the way he plays."
Just as Broadfoot was embarking on his international career, Ibrox team-mate Lee McCulloch was announcing his intention to quit the Scotland set-up.
"Lee has decided that he wants to stop and, from a club point of view, it means fewer games for him to play," said Smith
"But it's totally down to Lee to decide, it's nothing to do with Rangers.
"Lee felt that was the best way for him and that's just the way it is and everybody has to accept it."
Scotland boss George Burley had to deal with the unfortunate timing of McCulloch's retirement as well as some fierce media criticism after the 1-0 loss in Macedonia.
And Smith, who was at the helm of the national team before his return to Ibrox in January 2007, was surprised by the harsh treatment.
"As managers, now we expect that," he continued. "If we lose a game, it's just part and parcel of football that we have to accept a level of criticism.
"But George seemed to be getting some criticism beforehand, which is really difficult to believe when he's not had a competitive game. That was extremely strange.
"Like everything else, you lose a game and you expect a bit of criticism. He won very well against Iceland the other night, so he's redressed the balance a bit there.
"I just think that sometimes the levels of criticism that appear can affect the team as much as anything else.
"Sometimes the more sensible approach may help everyone in Scotland.
"Certainly, when a manager is being put under pressure before he has played a competitive game, I don't think that's a good environment for anybody to work in, managers or players."
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