Scotland manager George Burley has warned Derek Riordan that he cannot relax and just expect to be a part of his future plans now that he has been recalled to the national squad. The Hibs forward's recent performances resulted in his inclusion in the squad for the friendly in Japan on October 10. If he plays, Riordan would add to his only previous cap, won against Austria back in 2005. While admitting he deserves another chance, Burley says Riordan still has to prove himself at international level. He said: "Being a proven goalscorer in the SPL could mean nothing. We are talking about international football, we are talking about playing against the best players in the world. So I can't afford to have players that I'm going to carry, he's got to be a team player as well. If he does well in training and has the right attitude, he might get the opportunity. He deserves to be in the squad for what he has done this season, which is great, and hopefully he can follow that on. Derek's got phenomenal talent and maybe he hasn't made the most of that over the years. He's got to realise you don't get into national squads by just scoring a few goals, you've got to be a team player. Hopefully with Derek the penny has dropped and he will utilise that ability. We have given him the opportunity. There are other talented players there but he deserves it and hopefully he realises there is more to football than just scoring goals, you have to work as a team."

Riordan is glad he headed back to Edinburgh which he feels has been the catalyst for his resurgence and another chance at international football. He said: "I think anybody should get a chance if they're playing well. I've been playing well lately so I think I deserve a chance. You get frustrated like any fan does when you're watching the games. You do want to play for your country; it's probably the most important thing after your club. I said if I keep scoring, they can't keep refusing me."

There was also a recall for Charlie Adam, who has flourished since quitting Rangers for a permanent move to Blackpool following a successful loan spell with the Seasiders. Burley said: "I'm quite excited about bringing him into the squad. I was speaking to David Weir about him and David rates him very highly and other managers in England have spoken very highly of him. Maybe the penny has dropped with Charlie as well. Sometimes when you are not in the team you can get a bit despondent but Charlie has taken the opportunity at Blackpool, he has done very well, and he's another player who deserves to be in the squad."

Burley also has high hopes for Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson, who is fully fit again following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious knee injury. He said: "Kevin has been very unfortunate. I spoke to Walter Smith two days ago and he feels he is almost back to his best, which is encouraging. There is no doubt he has missed a lot of football but Kevin is certainly capable of establishing himself in the team. He is one of a number of good, midfield players we have. It's great to have your talented players available and hopefully Kevin can have a clear run without injuries over the next few months. There is no doubt about his ability. We have seen it at Hibs and, of course, at Rangers."