Graeme Shinnie refused to become disillusioned or angry while waiting for his Scotland chance.
The 26-year-old Aberdeen captain was included in former boss Gordon Strachan’s squad for the final European Championship qualifiers against Poland and Gibraltar in 2015 but never featured.
Stand-in manager Malky Mackay recalled him for the challenge match against Holland at Pittodrie on Thursday night as one of eight uncapped players.
Graeme Shinnie is hoping to make his Scotland debut against Holland on Thursday night
The Aberdeen captain was selected by Gordon Strachan back in 2015 but didn’t play
As he stood on the brink of achieving a life-long ambition to play for his country, midfielder Shinnie insisted determination and not distress came out of previous disappointments.
He said: ‘I would never be upset or angry that I would never make squads because there are so many good footballers out there that are desperate to get in the squad, like I was.
‘It was just a bit more determination to get in the squad and now that I am in it, to try my best while I am here.
‘It is always something that makes you strive to be better and push yourself for it.
‘If you give up then you have no hope of getting it ever.
Scotland interim manager Malky Mackay has eight uncapped players in his current squad
Shinnie (left) pictured in training on Monday with Aberdeen colleague Ryan Christie
‘For me it was just trying to play as well as I could for Aberdeen and try to get a call and now I am here I need to work as hard as I can to keep them coming.
‘It definitely is an opportunity. There are a lot of different faces from when I was here the last time and it is a game that is looking to the future as well.
‘It would be a honour to play a part in the game. I haven’t got a cap yet and I would love that opportunity.’