Kevin McNaughton admitted harbouring mixed emotions during Scotland's run to the brink of qualifying for next summer's European Championships.

The Cardiff City defender missed most of the campaign with a series of injuries and was forced to watch from the sidelines as Alex McLeish's side came within a whisker of causing a major upset by denying either France or Italy a place at the finals.

McNaughton had been named in McLeish's squad to take on France at Hampden last October but had to withdraw with a hamstring injury, denying him a role in the famous win over the World Cup runners-up, courtesy of Gary Caldwell's strike.

The former Aberdeen full-back returned to international football on Tuesday with a starting role in the B side's friendly match with the Republic of Ireland, and is keen to make up for lost time.

"It had been a long time since I played international football so it was just good to get back among everything," he said. "I tore my hamstring before the France game and that was so frustrating for me. It was tough watching the boys line up for that because I felt I had a good chance of starting in that game.

"It was good to see the team do well but it was frustrating not being involved. It is slightly easier when the team won, but it was just down to bad luck on my part with the injuries.

"The boys have been doing brilliantly, though, and they've lifted the whole country with these performances.

"I am just delighted to have been given another chance to get my foot back in the international door."

Chris Iwelumo made his first start in Scotland colours on Tuesday after a wandering career that has taken in spells in Denmark and Germany Currently at Charlton Athletic, the 29-year-old is now looking to push his way into the senior squad before the start of the World Cup qualifiers next September.

"Every player wants to represent his country and I'm no different," said Iwelumo. "This is a fantastic honour for myself and hopefully I can try to push myself and make this a regular thing.

"I want to get into the full squad and if I remain positive and keep doing well at club level then my chance will come. This squad is going places and were fantastic in the last campaign. They were so unlucky not to qualify and it's looking good for the future.

"The performances have given all Scottish players a lift and it makes you determined to be a part of it.

"There's no doubt the World Cup in 2010 is on all the boys' minds. The displays against Italy and France can act as an inspiration, especially for the young lads, but also for older players like myself.

"I'm getting on a bit but I aim to keep myself in some sort of shape so as to be still hovering about the squad."

Darren Dods admitted his relief at reviving his international career a decade after last playing for Scotland.

"It was a bonus getting into the B squad but I just have to see what happens in the SPL and take what happens from there," said the Dundee United defender. "This call-up certainly came out of the blue as it has been 10 years since I played for the under-21s.

"Once you get over 30 you sometimes feel that is it gone, so it was a pleasant surprise to get the call. I am only 32 and I feel I still have a few good years left in me.

"You only have to look at Craig Brewster the Dundee United manager playing on until he is 40. I also think defenders can play until they are slightly older."