ROBBIE Stockdale is a relieved man after being called up by Scotland for their vital World Cup qualifier in Iceland next week.

The Middlesbrough defender annoyed Scotland boss Berti Vogts when he opted to play for his club side rather than take on the Faroe Islands in their previous outing.

But Vogts has forgiven the 22-year-old and he has included the right-back in his squad for the trip to Scandinavia.

And Stockdale admitted: "It's good to be back. I spoke to the manager about the Faroes match and he told me he wanted training to be very intense, so he left me out because I couldn't have joined them until Wednesday. He told me he would be watching me and he told me he would bring me back if I was doing OK and he has done.

"So I look forward to it next week, especially as it is a massive game for Scotland."

The Scots face a difficult task to qualify for the European Championships in Portugal after a dreadful start - capped by the poor 2-2 draw with the Faroes.

But Stockdale is convinced the international side can turn things around. "Whenever I have met up with the rest of the lads they have always been in positive mood," said the 22-year-old, who has also made England Under 21 squads in the past.

"The lads always enjoy playing for Scotland and that's exactly how I feel. We have not had the best of starts but everybody still enjoys meeting up. We are a young side, there aren't any really experienced internationals in there, so we can only learn.

"The morale will go up as soon as we get a good result, hopefully that will be against Iceland because it's an important game."

Stockdale has made the right-back slot at Boro his own since Steve McClaren took over the reins at the Riverside during the summer of 2001 and because of his performances he was recognised at international level by Vogts, who called the Redcar-born defender up.

The Boro boy was out of favour when previous boss Bryan Robson was at the helm and he can't thank his new manager enough for transforming his fortunes on Teesside.

But it is not just his own game that has come on leaps and bounds since McClaren's arrival and Stockdale is convinced he will continue to help third-placed Boro grow into a formidable Premiership side.

"For what the gaffer has done so far he has been excellent," said Stockdale, who is expected to play against Bolton at the Riverside tomorrow.

"And without sounding too much of a suck up, he has also done wonders for myself. Everyting we do is very professional and there is no sloppiness and he is always pusing us to our best.''

Along with Stockdale, eight other players have received international call ups: Szilard Nemeth (Slovakia), Alen Boksic (Croatia), Allan Johnston (Scotland), Joseph Job, Geremi (both Cameroon), Mark Crossley (Wales), Massimo Maccarone (Italy) and George Boateng (Holland) .

And Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu are also hoping to be named in the England squad this weekend.