Middlesbrough midfielder Kevin Thomson admits he almost quit the game last season but is now targeting an international return for Scotland.
But I considered quitting last season, admits injury-hit Boro man
Middlesbrough midfielder Kevin Thomson admits he almost quit the game last season but is now targeting an international return for Scotland.
Thomson has endured a difficult time at Boro with injuries, breaking his leg three times in five months with the Championship club.
The setbacks left the 27-year-old considering retirement but having returned to fitness he is now hoping for a role in Scotland's 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
He told the
Daily Record: "I have an eye on the forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
"I've never hidden the fact that I want to play for my country. I feel as though I still have the ability.
Ability
"When I used to get picked in the squad, every new manager who came in wanted to build his team around me. I don't feel as if I've lost any of that ability. I just need to get games.
"So it's up to me to put good performances in for Boro. If the opportunity comes along to play for Scotland again that would be great.
"For the last three years I haven't played much football and it has been a hard time on and off the park.
"I did even consider quitting last season. It was getting a bit frustrating.
"But one thing I don't do is hide in a corner. I like to stick my chest out and people can see that in the way I play. I always take the ball and responsibility."
Thomson acknowledges it will not be easy to force his way back into the Scotland midfield given the other players available to Craig Levein.
He added: "The Scottish midfield is the strongest area of the team. But I'd like to think that when I was at the top of my game I was as good as any of them. I just need to get back to that level."
Sad times
That level was reached most often during Thomson's spell at Rangers and he is saddened by the club's recent struggles.
He said: "I would like to think I left as a fans' favourite and that they appreciated me up the road.
"These are sad times for Rangers. It's as big as any club in the world and I feel for the punters.
"Through thick and thin the supporters are always there. It's them who are missing out now."
