Kevin Kyle insists he has a better chance of making a success of his Scotland career this time around because he has matured as both a player and a person.

The Kilmarnock striker, 28, is hoping for his first cap in five years after being recalled for this weekend's friendly in Wales.

He was given his first taste of international football back in 2002 but made just nine appearances before finding himself in the international wilderness.

This time, however, he believes he is better equipped to be a success.

He said: "When I first came into the Scotland squad, there were a lot of old heads like Paul Lambert, Steven Pressley, Colin Cameron, Allan Johnston.

"This time, I think I'm one of the older ones. I have matured a lot on and off the park and I'm a lot wiser.

"I'm definitely a lot more confident and just hope this time that I can take the opportunity and do a bit better than I did back in 2002."

But, despite admitting there is plenty at stake, he claims to be under no extra pressure this time.
"Not at all," he said.

"When you start putting pressure on yourself, that's when things go wrong.

"When I was younger, and given the opportunity, I didn't do well. The consequences that followed weren't great.

"Now I'm older and wiser and, if I play well, I take the plaudits. If I don't play well, I'll go back to Kilmarnock and work hard and look for another opportunity.

"I'll just have to keep my head up and get on with it because there is no point worrying about what might be and what might not be."

He believes he has plenty to offer George Burley, adding: "I'm different to the other strikers here.
"I'm a big 6'3" target man, I hold the ball up and get my fair share of goals.

"Scotland haven't really got one of those types of players so hopefully I can bring something different to the table and get an opportunity.

"I'm confident that I can do well. We are playing against Wales, who are packed with Premiership and Championship players, and that's something I've come across in my time.

"So I've got no fears if given the nod and I'll look forward to it."

Burley admits goals have been hard to come by for Scotland and that is one aspect of the team where he is seeking an improvement.

"We are working on trying to get better," said the Scotland boss.

"If you look at our record, that's an area where we've got to improve.

"We've got people like Ross McCormack in the squad. Ross has not played many games but I think it's important to bring him in because he is capable of scoring goals.

"We've also got young Steven Naismith, who is another who is capable of scoring goals.

"That's an area we need to keep working hard at. As a country, we are looking to improve and get better.

"If you look at the stats, we haven't scored enough goals. That's something which will hopefully get better."