Scotland cap is next step for Riordan, says Hibernian teammate Steven Fletcher

Oct 12 2008 By Mark Guidi

STEVEN FLETCHER insists Hibs team-mate Derek Riordan will cap his career revival by blasting back into the Scotland squad.

Riordan has been in fine form since returning to Easter Road from Celtic in a £250,000 transfer deadline-day deal.

The frontman had a shocking time at Parkhead and was frozen out by boss Gordon Strachan.

But he has put the waste of the past two years behind him to kick-start his career back at Hibees.

Riordan scored a wonder winner at Hamilton and followed it up with both goals in a 2-1 victory at Aberdeen last weekend.

Fletcher is delighted for his strike pal and reckons a Scotland call is the next step.

He said: "The luck just maybe wasn't there for Derek at Celtic and after being out of the game for so long he has been working hard and keeping his head down.

"He's getting regular games now he's back at Hibs and if Derek keeps playing the way he has been there's no reason why he can't get back into the Scotland squad.

"He will have ambitions to get involved with Scotland and everyone knows what he can do and the type of player he is.

"His goal at Hamilton was brilliant - he really can score from anywhere.

"He's one of the best finishers I've seen and always hits the target.

Derek has a fantastic average of scoring from the chances he gets."

The next squad Scotland boss George Burley (right) will name is for November's Hampden friendly against Argentina.

And if Riordan continues his blistering form he has a chance of being included.

Fletcher is sure he can help his team-mate get there and also keep himself involved in the national set-up by forging a profitable partnership at club level. The 21-year-old said: "When Derek was first at Hibs I was playing in midfield.

"It's different now and I hope we will be given the chance to work and score goals together.

"There could be a partnership in the making. At Hibs the gaffer seems to like playing with three up front so that can only help.

"Derek is a top player andwe are hitting it off.

"With myself, Derek and Colin Nish up front we play an attacking formation and also like to get midfielders forward.We will always create chances."

Fletcher has watched the likes of Riordan, Scott Brown, Steven Whittaker, Kevin Thomson, David Murphy and Garry O'Connor all earn big-money moves away from Easter Road in the last few years.

It's likely he will be the next homegrown star to seal a lucrative switch - Real Madrid, Celtic and Rangers are all admirers - and this season could even be his last at Hibs.

However, the striker is happy in Leith for now and wants to help the club compete in the SPL.

Their next game is a derby crunch against Hearts a week today and Fletcher admits it can't come quickly enough.

He said: "I'd be delighted to get a win against Hearts as this match means so much to the players and supporters.

"We have to put a run of results together and it was encouraging to bounce back from the Rangers defeat by winning at Aberdeen.

"When you meet the fans they don't wish you good luck - they just say you better win. That's how much it means to them.

"It's a big game and I'm looking forward to it.

"My record in Edinburgh derbies is 50-50 and I hope the average is better come next Sunday."