There is a potential trip to Qatar on the cards – but Stephen O’Donnell says his Motherwell form must be at the forefront of his mind.
The right-back made his 25th and 26th appearances for Scotland during the international break, coming on as a substitute in friendlies against Austria and Poland.
He was a mainstay in former Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke’s plans with the national team, although Everton’s Nathan Patterson recently became the number one choice in the right-back role.
O’Donnell is thrilled to be part of the squad every time he goes, and crossing the 25-cap mark is something he’s proud of.
But amid a mixed season domestically with Motherwell, the Wishaw star says he has to produce the goods at Fir Park to earn a potential World Cup spot.
Scotland will face England, Iran and the United States this winter at Qatar 2022 if they beat Ukraine and Wales in the June play-offs, but the skipper of ‘Well said: “I gotta focus on the game.
“There is no better way to attract attention than to play in a team that is performing well. So let’s hope that’s the case.
“I think the international things have been there for a few years, but I just have to focus on myself. Sometimes this season I think I may have let myself down in terms of performance with Motherwell.
“If I knew why I would never have a bad game. It’s an exciting time and it will be much more exciting if we’re actually there.
“When I got close to that landmark (25 caps) it was a goal I wanted to achieve, and luckily I managed to do it.
“It would have been a little nicer in a competitive game, but I’m the picky one. I’m delighted to be in again and hopefully with a good run of results I can add to the 26.
“It’s been an amazing journey over the last three or four years. I would love to continue and hopefully there will be more to come.”
Motherwell heads into the match with St Mirren this Saturday – and former manager Stephen Robinson – winless in the Premiership this year, a run totaling 11 games. They are eighth in the standings.
O’Donnell says it would have been hard to predict that with a top-six bid before Christmas, but an opportunity for a great season is always at hand in games against Saints and Livingston.
He added: “I don’t think you could have predicted this before the winter break. It was a tough race for us but we are still in a very good position.
“What an opportunity it is for us that if we get two wins it would guarantee us the top six. But we have to get that first one, which we are more than capable of.”
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