Mackie delighted with call-up

Mackie: Enjoying massive moment

QPR striker Jamie Mackie has admitted the thought of playing against Spain is "ridiculous" after being handed a first Scotland call-up.

The 25-year-old was on holiday in Spain during the last international break but could be playing against them in the next one after being selected for Scotland's Euro 2012 qualifiers against the world champions and the Czech Republic.

Mackie was born in Surrey but is eligible through his late grandfather, Graeme, and finally received international recognition after bagging eight goals in nine league games since his summer switch from relegated Plymouth to make QPR the Championship pacesetters.

"My grandad isn't with us anymore but he was a very proud Scotsman from Kilmarnock, and this is a really special moment for my whole family," Mackie said.

Extremely proud

"I am extremely proud to be selected for this squad. Me and my grandfather used to speak about it a lot and it is a real honour for me to finally get the chance.

"I knew I qualified to play for Scotland but I was not sure if anybody else knew.

"I have been given a bit more of a profile with QPR and I think people are now starting to take notice of me."

Mackie was a relative unknown in Scotland before his goalscoring exploits with QPR having started out at Wimbledon before playing for MK Dons, Exeter and Plymouth.

Now having worked his way into contention he hopes to make his international debut in the Czech Republic on October 8 before Spain visit Hampden on October 12.

"During the last international break I went to Spain with the family," he said.

"We had a great time but I kept thinking that Scotland were playing, and I would have preferred to have been there. And I told my missus that too!

Long road

"This has been a long road for me but I am nowhere near the end of it," Mackie added.

"I am not a player who has burst onto the scene as a teen - I've had to work very hard to get where I am.

"I suppose in a way it makes this more satisfying because I've had to work my way up.

"To be honest, the thought of playing against Spain, the world champions, is ridiculous but it makes no difference the opposition, I am just delighted to be involved.

"The season so far has been unbelievable. Any personal accolades I get along the way are a bonus, but the opportunity to play for Scotland is a massive, massive moment in my career. I want to grab this chance with both hands."