Danny Swanson says his call-up to the Scotland squad is “the stuff of dreams.”
Less than three months ago, the Dundee United playmaker was at his lowest ebb, fearing his career was over. A succession of hamstring and back injuries over the course of the last year had eroded his confidence and left him thinking about the worst-case scenario.
Now, though, he has battled back to full fitness and, after starring for United against Rangers and Hibs, Scotland boss Craig Levein has drafted him into his squad for the first time for the vital Euro qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Spain.
Swanson, who learned of his inclusion before training on Thursday, said: ”I only found out when the gaffer told me he had heard Craig Levein wanted me in the squad.
”I didn’t think I was going to be in. I felt I might have a wee chance if anyone got injured but I wasn’t expecting it. I probably would have looked at the squad but didn’t expect to see my name.
”It’s amazing and it’s a huge turnaround because not long ago I was even wondering if I would play ever again. I had my injury and couldn’t get to the bottom of it, but it’s away now.
”It’s a massive confidence boost to know that Craig Levein has seen enough in me to think I’m worthy of a place in the squad.
”And it’s not for wee games either they don’t come much bigger than two games we need to do well in to qualify for a European Championship.
”They are massive matches, and if I can be involved somehow then it would be brilliant.
”Obviously, making it to the team is my aim, but the way I am looking at it right now is I just have to go in there and do well in the training.
”It is training with the squad I am looking forward to most at the moment. I’ll get on with that, do my best and see if it’s good enough to take me into the manager’s plans for the matches.”
Swanson began his senior career with Berwick Rangers in the third division before Levein brought him to United three years ago.
The Edinburgh-born player admits: ”It’s a great feeling and the stuff of dreams really. When you are a wee boy playing at school, you are desperate to play for your country. And when you start in the lower leagues, you feel a million miles away from it.”
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”It hopefully shows boys starting out that you can do it. The lads here have been great and I don’t think a few of them are far away either.
”I have to thank the manager as well because he’s stood by me when I wasn’t fit and he’s given me my chance.
”He has been telling me to stop being so hard on myself and I’m trying to do that. Getting into the Scotland squad will do my self-belief loads of good.”
United boss Peter Houston admitted he was delighted by Swanson’s call-up. And despite being Levein’s international assistant, he revealed he only found out about Swanson’s inclusion shortly before the player.
He said: ”It’s great for Danny and he will get a big lift from it. I only found out on Thursday as well because, contrary to what people think, I don’t really speak to Craig about the squad.
”I don’t think it’s right to chat with Craig too much about who he’s going to pick. I am the Dundee United manager day-to-day and I think it’s important to have that distinction.
”Like any club manager, if Craig asks me how a player is doing, I will give him an honest assessment,” Houston added. ”But he watches all the games and picks the squad he wants to pick.”
Houston believes Swanson’s example should give hope to players at all levels.
He added: ”Swanny is an inspiration to other players. He is proof that you can come from the lower leagues and, with hard work and dedication, can make a success of yourself.
”He has also had to come back from injuries and has shown a lot of resilience,” the Tannadice boss added. ”He had heart problems as a child and that should inspire kids out there who have similar problems.
”It’s richly deserved and I’m delighted for him.”