Riordan shrugs off Scotland talk

Striker Derek Riordan is focused on maintaining his fine goalscoring form for Hibernian, not winning a place in the Scotland squad.

The former Celtic striker has won just one cap for his country, but has four goals in six SPL starts this season.

Riordan found the back of the net in Hibs’ weekend win at Motherwell, prompting talk that Scotland boss George Burley should take a closer look.

While the 26-year-old would love a chance to impress at international level, he is not getting side-tracked by the possibility of being call-up for their upcoming friendly with Japan.

Riordan’s primary objective is to finish top scorer at Easter Road this season and he sees no reason why he cannot achieve a 20-plus target this time around.

“I am just concentrating on my club football,” explained Riordan. “I have a good return of goals for so early in the season already.

“George picks the Scotland team and I have to continue scoring but he can’t keep refusing me if I’m doing the business on the park.

“I’ve got to hope I can make the Scotland squad for Japan and every time a squad is announced I hope to be in it.

“It would mean a lot to get back into the Scotland team as you are playing for your country and want to do the best for yourself and Scotland as well as your club.

“It is a bonus if you get international honours. If I get in there I would love to stay part of the set-up and you just have to grab that chance if you get it.

“Every season I set myself a target of being the club’s top scorer. I think 20 is a realistic target for any striker to achieve in the league.

“As long as I finish top scorer at the club I will be happy.”