Paul Gallacher has admitted he feared his Scotland days were behind him after receiving a surprise recall for Saturday's friendly in Wales.

The 30-year-old St Mirren goalkeeper was drafted in for the trip to Cardiff after number one Craig Gordon fractured an arm during Sunderland's 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Tottenham on Saturday. Gallacher, who earned the last of his eight caps in May 2004, got the nod ahead of Neil Alexander, who has dropped down the pecking order after finding himself out of the team at Rangers.

The former Dundee United keeper told his club's official website, www.saintmirren.co.uk: "I wasn't expecting that phone call on Sunday morning but I'm pleasantly surprised as you are never sure that the chance will come around again for an international call-up. I'm absolutely delighted."

He added: "My last cap was about five years ago against Estonia and I was in a few squads after that so it is good to be involved again."

Gallacher only joined St Mirren this summer and may not have been in the side at all but for a long-term injury to Chris Smith.

He said: "I've been pleased with my performances with St Mirren. Sure, some things can be improved but getting the call-up is great as it wasn't really something that I was expecting so it is obviously a wee bonus.

"At 30, you sometimes think the days of an international call-up may be past you, but even if is just for a one-off occasion, I'm still over the moon to be involved.

"I've been lucky enough to have a few caps to my name already.

"It is something that I have been there and played at that level, but I'm absolutely delighted to be involved again at this time."