St Mirren boss Danny Lennon claimed a Scotland call-up for Paul McGowan was "realistic" after the midfielder picked up his Clydesdale Bank Premier League player of the month award for December.
The 24-year-old had loan spells at Morton, Hamilton and the Paisley club before he moved permanently from Celtic last summer.
His fine form for most of the season was recognised when he became the first Saints player to win the award since Andy Dorman in April 2009 and Lennon believes McGowan now has every right to believe he can catch the eye of Scotland boss Craig Levein.
The Buddies boss said: "In my humble opinion it is realistic. I don't think there has been anyone more consistent in the midfield area over the last two months than Paul McGowan.
"I'm obviously not getting to every game but the level of his performances have been immense.
"I am absolutely delighted that he won the award and it is thoroughly deserved.
"He has been fantastic for us and it is great to see a step in the right direction for the football club as a whole.
"He wants to get on the ball all the time and his workrate and desire to succeed is incredible. His ability has always been there, he just needed it to flourish.
"He still has a long way to go but he has a big future."
McGowan played down the prospect of a Scotland cap, happy enough to see his move from boyhood heroes Celtic to Paisley vindicated.
"I haven't thought about it," he said.
"People have been talking about Scotland to me but at the end of the day it is the manager's decision.
"If you look at some of the players in midfield for Scotland, they are playing with the top teams in the Premiership.
"If it comes I would be over the moon, if it doesn't then I won't let it get me down.
"Obviously coming here was a gamble for me but it's paid off. I never doubted my ability but the way St Mirren play suits me.
"The manager here gives me great belief in my ability and you can't ask for more than that.
"You have to repay him on the pitch and thankfully I have done that more times than not but the team has been great, it has been great to play in it."
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