FOOTBALL : 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.
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.
Kyle 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.”
He added: “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.”
