Scotland striker Tommy Conway feared his dream of taking part in on the World Cup was over earlier than being chosen for upcoming friendlies towards Japan and Ivory Coast.
The Middlesbrough 23-year-old performed no half within the succesful qualification marketing campaign final yr that culminated in a dramatic victory over Denmark at Hampden.
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However, Conway might add to his six caps towards Japan at Hampden on Saturday, or on Tuesday, when Scotland play Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium as preparations start for the finals this summer season.
“If I’m being completely honest, I knew I was going to have to be in this camp to have a real chance of going to the World Cup,” he mentioned.
“I set myself targets and goals and I really did commit to the process ever since November, using it as fuel to make sure I got into this one.
“I’ve carried out that and nearly that is like the primary field ticked. The subsequent field ticked is to get to the World Cup and I’m doing all the pieces I can to get there.
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“I missed out on three camps and I’d be lying if you don’t start to think, ‘am I for Scotland anymore? What am I going to have to do to get back into the squad?’
“You must really feel like, ‘I’ve been there earlier than, so why cannot I be there once more?
“I work every day to achieve targets that I set myself and playing for Scotland is the pinnacle for me.”
Conway final performed for Steve Clarke’s aspect within the pleasant win over Liechtenstein in June and says lacking out on a particular night time towards Denmark at Hampden gave him “fire in the belly” to power his means again into rivalry.
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The former Bristol City ahead has impressed for Middlesbrough as they chase promotion to the Premier League.
His eight objectives in 39 video games have helped Boro to second place within the Championship with seven video games left to play.
Conway believes the stress of preventing for promotion has helped him develop as a participant, one thing that may profit Scotland.
“We’re doing well and I want to bring that winning mentality to Scotland and try and make my mark when I’m away at the international stage,” he added.
“I think playing with pressure every week is only going to benefit you and the experience you get from that.
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“You can then take that into taking part in for Scotland as effectively and, whenever you go to the World Cup, if I make it there, it’ll be stress.”