Source: Team_Talk
Riordan delighted by Scotland recall
Riordan was rewarded for his scintillating start to the season by being named in George Burley's squad for the October 10 friendly against Japan.
With only four forwards selected by manager Burley, there is every chance the Hibernian striker will make his second appearance for his country in Yokohama.
And the 26-year-old will doubtless be hoping it is a more memorable occasion than his debut against Austria in 2005.
"Was it one-all it finished?" he asked of the friendly which actually ended 2-2 at what was then called the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium in Graz.
"I hardly touched the ball.
"I came on for the second half, for 45 minutes. I didn't score, so I was disappointed."
Riordan had no problem recalling the form which has saw him earn his call-up, his five goals this season making him the most prolific forward in the SPL.
Indeed, the 26-year-old had two reasons to celebrate on Thursday after being named SPL Player of the Month.
Despite picking Riordan, Burley suggested he had not made the most of his talent in recent years and that he still needed to improve his work-rate.
Riordan believes he is doing just that, saying: "I'm working a lot harder now. I think that's what people used to say about me: I didn't work hard."
He has also been criticised for some of his off-field behaviour, with the forward reportedly spending the night in a police cell last month for breach of the peace.
Yet, Riordan believes he should be judged on his on-field performances.
"I think anybody should get a chance if they're playing well," he said.
"I've been playing well lately so I think I deserve a chance."
Riordan revealed he had felt as powerless as any Scotland fan watching Scotland struggle and ultimately fail to qualify for next summer's World Cup.
"You get frustrated like any fan does when you're watching the games," he said.
"You do want to play for your country; it's probably the most important thing after your club."
And despite spending so long in the international wilderness, primarily as a result of a nightmare two seasons at Celtic, he insisted he never gave up hope of a recall.
"I said if I keep scoring, they can't keep refusing me," he said, hailing his return to Hibs a year ago as the catalyst for his resurgence.
An injury to the mercurial James McFadden has left a vacancy in the Scotland side for the kind of unpredictable maverick Riordan is often labelled as.
He said: "I think every player is different; everybody has their strengths.
"I think my strength's obviously shooting.
"If I get that chance, I've just got to go out and try to take it."
Riordan will link up with several ex-Hibs team-mates, stars of the side that finished third under Tony Mowbray in 2005.
"It will be good if all of us can get on the pitch at the same time," said Riordan, who is particularly looking forward to a reunion with former strike partner Garry O'Connor.
"Big Gaz was probably my best pal at Hibs.
"We still keep in contact so I'd be delighted if we get a chance together."
