Scotland cap is for my family, says Wolves' Barry Douglas

The 28-year-old Glaswegian made his debut in a 1-0 victory against Hungary on Tuesday.

He came on in the 67th minute for Alex McLeish’s side, and said: “It was nice to finally get some recognition for all the hard work, sacrifices and good form – especially the way we’ve been playing at the club this season.

“It’s nice for all my family, to get that cap on my CV.

“It’s always something you grow up thinking about, putting on your national top, but I think it’s more for my family.

“It’s more for my mum, my gramps – it’s more their achievement than it is mine.

“At the end of the day, it’s their hard work and sacrifice that allows us to fulfil our dreams and play football.

“They were my taxis, as such. I’m forever grateful because it led me to where I am today. It’s more for them than it is for me.”

It was the first win of McLeish’s second spell in charge of Scotland.

When asked if he spoke to the former Blues and Villa chief that much during his time away, Douglas said: “Not a lot, to be fair. I’ve never really spoke to him much.

“He just asked about how we’re getting on here (at Wolves) and things like that.

“He asked about my time abroad as well but I never really spoke a lot to him.

“I’m doing something right, I feel I’ve been playing well for a few years now so it’s nice to get that recognition and be involved.

“I’m maybe a bit unfortunate that two of the best players are left-sided. It is what it is.”

Those two players Douglas is referring to are Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, who he came on for in Budapest, and Celtic star Kieran Tierney. Douglas knows it will be a tough battle to keep getting in the side with those two around, and will not be heartbroken if he does not.

After all, his first child is due to be born in the summer and if he does not receive any more international recognition, it just means more quality time with the family.

“Those are two young, quality players. Andy is at Liverpool and Kieran is at Celtic, possibly going to go onto bigger and better things,” said Douglas.

“I’ve got my cap now. If I get more, that’s brilliant.

“If I don’t, I’ll get to spend more time with the family.

“It’s great to be away but if I wasn’t selected, I’ll get to spend more time with the family. It’s a win-win.

“With the kid coming, every time is going to be precious.

“I’ve got a kid on the way in the summer so it’s not something I’m going to dwell on.

“It’s brilliant that it happened. We’ll see what the future holds.”

For now, Douglas’ main concern is on finishing the job of clinching promotion to the Premier League with Wolves.

They have ‘eight cup finals’ left, the next being at Middlesbrough this evening.

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“Eight cup finals. We go again,” added Douglas.

“We’re just taking it one game at a time. It’s in our hands.”