ABERDEEN skipper Paul Hartley is targeting a Scotland return following his dream debut for his new club.
The 33-year-old became the first-ever Clydesdale Bank Premier League player to score a hat-trick of penalties as he led Aberdeen to an opening-day 4-0 victory over a lacklustre Hamilton.
The former Bristol City and Celtic man believes he can force his way into Scotland boss Craig Levein's plans for next month's Euro 2012 double-header against Lithuania and Liechtenstein.
Hartley said: "I have always said I will never ever retire from international football, I will always make myself available.
"If I'm playing well I hope to get picked, but if I'm not then I won't be picked, it's as simple as that.
"All I can do is try to keep playing well and you never know. There are two big games coming up next month, so if I'm playing well then great."
The Dons captain was delighted with his side's emphatic victory over the Accies - their first opening-day win at Pittodrie since 1994.
"I think it has been 16 years since we last won an opening game at home so that shows how important it is," he said.
"It was a real team performance. We have had a good start and we have to build on that now. Hopefully we can get another good result next week at St Johnstone.
"It gives everybody optimism and a bit of confidence."
Hartley was particularly pleased to play such a key role in leading his side to the top of the SPL table with his unique spot-kick treble.
"I can get that written on my grave now!" he joked.
"I couldn't have imagined that happening. It is not very often that you get three penalties in one game, but they were all penalties.
"It was nice to take the responsibility and score. I was pretty confident, I think young Chris (Maguire) was wanting to take the first one but, being the captain, I felt I had to take the responsibility and step up and try to get us the lead.
"This is a good start for us but we have to build on it. We know there is still a long way to go."
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk