Russell Anderson has admitted his summer move to Sunderland
could make or break his Scotland career.
The former Aberdeen skipper makes his first return to Pittodrie on
Wednesday hoping to win only his 10th cap in the clash against
South Africa.
And he knows he needs to be a regular under Roy Keane in the
Premier League if he is to make his mark with Alex McLeish's
side.
"It's a gamble I have to take," he said. "If you're playing in the
Premier League, hopefully it should help your prospects of playing
for Scotland.
"On the other hand, if I'm not playing first-team football, I know
what the consequences of that are. It's certainly something I took
into consideration but it was a move I couldn't turn down.
"You are always disappointed if you don't play but that's part of
being a footballer in a squad of this size. The manager can only
pick 11 players. There will be players left out but that's part of
football.
"The important thing is a performance and a result. I don't really
think it matters who plays, it's about continuing the good results
and form of last season.
"Whoever is given the opportunity, it will be up to them to try to
carry that on."
Livid
Anderson has played just 28 minutes of Premier League football
since his switch to the Stadium of Light - and gave away a penalty
which gave Wigan their third goal in Saturday's comprehensive 3-0
defeat at the JJB Stadium.
Black Cats boss Keane was livid with his side's display and no-one
was spared in the dressing room afterwards.
Anderson admitted: "He is the manager. If you don't play well, you
are going to have to face the music. There were a few home truths
said in the dressing room on Saturday."
And the 28-year-old defender admits he is unsure over the reception
he will receive on his return to the venue where he plied his trade
for over a decade.
"I hope I get a good reception," Anderson admitted. "I haven't
really thought about it until now but I hope so.
"It feels a bit strange to be back, to be honest. I wasn't
expecting to be back so soon but it's good to be in familiar
surroundings and I'm looking forward to it."