Del Boy: Riordan's form could lead to Scotland call-up Pic: ©STV
Hibernian manager John Hughes insists it is only a matter of time before new Scotland boss Craig Levein calls up striker Derek Riordan. The former Celtic striker bagged his 13th goal of the season for Hibs against Kilmarnock and Hughes believes he won’t be ignored for much longer.
Levein got off to winning start as the national side’s manager when he guided Scotland to a 1-0 victory over Czech Republic in last week’s friendly at Hampden. The former Dundee United boss called-up Rangers strike duo Kenny Miller and exiled Kris Boyd, but the Easter Road boss feels its time for Riordan to edge into the team.
“Derek has ambition to get back into the Scotland squad,” said Hughes, whose side currently sits fourth in the SPL.
“I said to him he needs to do the business for Hibs, in terms of work ethic, getting on the ball, passing and scoring.
“He did that on Saturday. He worked very hard, getting tucked in, winning headers and tackles.”
Riordan netted the winner for Hibs against Killie with a late swerving free-kick handing the Edinburgh club their first win in six games.
Despite an impressive record on the field for Hibs, Riordan’s career suffered during his spell at Celtic due to his actions off the park and a reportedly stormy relationship with then manager Gordon Strachan.
In two years at Parkhead, the 27-year-old made just 21 appearances for the Hoops, scoring five goals, while his actions off the park saw him receiving a five-year ban from all Edinburgh pubs involved the Unite scheme after an altercation with a bouncer.
However, Levein has started on a clean-sheet with his Scotland players which saw him call-up Rangers exiles Boyd and Lee McCulloch and ‘Boozegate’ pair Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor.
