Steven Fletcher says it will be a privilege to wear dark blue again after putting his fall-out with Scotland manager Craig Levein behind him.
The Sunderland striker, seen by many of the Tartan Army as the saviour whose goals can get the country’s wobbling World Cup qualifying campaign back on track, is poised to make his dramatic comeback against Wales in Cardiff on Friday.
He has now finally spoken about the disagreement between himself and Scots manager Levein, a dispute that was only resolved when the coach announced his squad last week.
Fletcher, who trained with the squad at Mar Hall on Monday, admitted regret over the length of his 18-month international exile but vowed to put his disagreement with Levein behind him and focus on helping the Scots try to reach Brazil 2014.
The pair had not spoken since Fletcher sent a text message to an SFA official in February 2011, informing him he did not wish to be selected for the Carling Nations Cup game against Northern Ireland.
But he has enjoyed positive talks with Levein in the past week and is eager to get back involved.
Fletcher said: ”I had a good chat with the manager when he came to visit at the training ground last week and while it was important we discussed the past and put it to bed, it was more important that we focused on the future.
”I understand why people want to know what changed but the truth, as the manager said last week, was the situation wasn’t helping anyone.
”I am a proud Scot and it is a privilege to play for my country. Everyone knows it has been too long since we last qualified for a major finals and I want to do my bit to help us reach Brazil.”
Levein has also expressed his regret the situation has taken so long to resolve.
And Fletcher added: ”I am desperate to play for Scotland again and, like Craig, I regret it has taken this long to come about.
”I’m sure we have both done a lot of thinking during the last two years but the country comes first.
”I think it just became apparent we all needed to move on. The most important thing is I can look to restart my international career.
”When I first spoke to Craig again it was fine and was not awkward at all. We both said our piece and agreed that whatever happened, the country comes first.”