Johnny Russell’s American dream has come true, with the Dundee United striker called into the Scotland squad for their friendly in the United States.
The Scots will fly out to Florida to play the USA at Jacksonville a week on Saturday and Russell will be on the plane.
That will kick off an extremely hectic international spell for the Tannadice star, who has also been named alongside club-mates Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong in the Scotland under-21 squad for their qualifier in Bulgaria on May 31 just four days after the match against the USA.
Russell won’t mind the travelling, though, as he mixes with the senior Scotland players for the first time before probably starting for the young lions in Lovech.
He seems unlikely to get any game time in Florida, but will still enjoy the experience as he teams up with former manager Craig Levein and current boss Peter Houston.
Levein explained the reasoning behind Russell’s call-up, saying: ”If you have a look back through the squads since I took over, I have made a conscious effort to try to include players who are doing well, or have done well, with the under-21 squad.
”I felt with the season that Johnny has had that he deserves the opportunity this time around. It is more for his experience than anything else. It would be unlikely that he would play a part in the match.”
Russell has been congratulated on his call-up by Raith Rovers gaffer John McGlynn, who had the striker on loan at Stark’s Park two seasons ago.
”I am absolutely delighted for Johnny, he really deserves it,” said McGlynn. ”It won’t faze him no way. He’s been in the international set-up through the youth ranks so he knows what to expect. And he’s been part of a United team who have beaten Celtic and Rangers in the SPL. So he’ll cope with it no bother.
”I’m sure he will love training with the big-name players who will be there. He’s really kicked on leaps and bounds this season. When David Goodwillie left United there was a big hole to fill, but Johnny has stepped up.
”It was only two years ago he was with us at Raith in the First Division, but he went back to United and now he’s one of the best strikers in the SPL.
”He always had all the attributes to go to the very top. He is quick, he can beat a man and he’s a great finisher.”
McGlynn continued: “I remember sitting at a United youth game with Craig Levein and Johnny was playing. Craig was telling me at that time that he had really high hopes for him.
”And he’s obviously seen enough from him this year to decide that he’s worth a call-up to the full squad.
”Also, it’s great for Raith because that’s Johnny and David Goodwillie who have been on loan with us. They have gone on to do very well, so the experience must have been important to them.
”It shows younger players that you have to be playing and hopefully tells them coming to a club like Raith can benefit them.”
Russell joins former Celtic frontman Shaun Maloney in Levein’s squad, with the now Wigan player recalled as a result of impressive form toward the end of the English Premiership season.