Scotland international Stephen Pearson is focusing on staying fit and available for Derby rather than earning a recall to the national squad.
The 27-year-old`s Pride Park career has been interrupted by a series of injuries since he moved to the East Midlands club from Celtic in January 2007, but he is currently enjoying a sequence of 21 consecutive starts.
But he was still overlooked when Scotland manager Craig Levein named his squad for last week's friendly against Czech Republic and he said: "I wasn't really disappointed to be left out. I take it as it comes. If it comes, great, if it doesn't, I'll try to keep doing well for Derby."
He added: "If I'm not playing well for Derby, I won't get any recognition. First of all, it is about staying fit and playing well for Derby. Whatever else happens is a bonus.
"It's been stop-start for me since I signed. I've played five or six games and then missed a couple, so to play 20-odd games is good and I'm feeling stronger fitness-wise. I think it's as good as I've felt for Derby.
"I'm training every day and playing games every week. I'm keeping myself fit and keeping myself in the best shape possible.
"I feel better in myself and physically stronger for getting a run of games.
"I`ve been unfortunate with injuries but hopefully I've put that behind me now.
"I'm feeling injury-free, which is good, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season. Hopefully, I'll stay fit to the end of the season."
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