Declan Gallagher insists he will NEVER give up on a Scotland recall as he chases his 10th cap with the same fervour that he pursued his first.
However, the Dundee United defender reckons he might need to battle “absolutely terrific” Tannadice teammate Ross Graham for the honour.
Aside from a crazy 17-minute spell against Kilmarnock, United have been a stoic proposition at the back and have racked up four clean sheets from their last seven games, with Gallagher rolling back the years.
Now free of the niggling, persistent groin injury that plagued him last term, the former Livingston and Aberdeen man is arguably enjoying his finest run of form since the standout showings for Motherwell that caught the eye of Scotland boss Steve Clarke.
And even at 33 years of age, returning to that stage remains a burning ambition.
“When you are having a good season, that’s what can provide the opportunity for some international recognition,” Gallagher told Courier Sport.
“I’m definitely still chasing that 10th cap!
“I’ll always back myself to play at that level, if given the chance.”
Gallagher: Ross Graham is ‘playing out of his skin’
While Gallagher would love to represent his country once more, he would take similar pride in watching United’s homegrown hero Graham pull on the dark blue.
The towering defender has been almost faultless – barring the concession of a penalty in the season-opening Dundee derby – since coming into the United side at the tail-end of the 2023/24 campaign.
As well as carrying out his defensive duties with aplomb, he boasts three goals, including a nerveless 99th-minute leveller at Kilmarnock, and even possesses a thundering long throw.
The academy kid has become a leader.
And Gallagher, a man speaking from experience after going to a major finals with Scotland, sees no reason why Graham should not be in the conversation amid uncertainly over the centre-back options at international level.
“The big man is having a great season and, as much as I’ll be chapping on the door (for Scotland), I think he’s chapping just as loudly,” Gallagher continued. “It might not be too long before he’s picking up caps.
“Rossco has been absolutely amazing. He speaks brilliantly, is a leader and takes everything on board when you speak to him. He’s terrific.
“Before I got here, I didn’t realise how good Ross Graham was. He’s got everything – tall, strong, fast, good on the ball – and the fact he’s a left-footed centre-back is great. You don’t get too many of those coming through in Scotland.
“He scores goals as well.
Gallagher added: “I’ve seen people called up for the Scotland club that maybe aren’t as deserving as what Rossco has been this season.
“I’ve told him, “Keep doing exactly what you are doing now”. Because he is playing out his skin, just like the whole defence is.”
‘Bare bones’ triumph
That rearguard action was crucial to attaining a superb three points against St Mirren on Saturday, with Gallagher, Graham and match-winner Emmanuel Adegboyega all defending their box brilliantly in Paisley.
With Graham limping off with a hamstring strain late on, Kevin Holt also deserves his flowers for a strong cameo.
United, sitting in fifth spot after a more than respectable start to the season, remain unbeaten away from home in the Premiership.
“That (form on the road) is down to determination and the desire – from the manager down – to fight for each other,” added Gallagher. “You can see that battling spirit on the pitch.
“When it gets to the 89th, 90th minute, boys are still throwing their bodies at everything, trying to block crosses and defend the box.
“It’s a very close-knit group and, even down to the bare bones a wee bit against St Mirren, everyone played their part in a great result.”
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