James McFadden targets Scotland return

James McFadden has admitted that he still harbours ambitions to play for the Scotland national team.

The 29-year-old forward, who was released by Everton at the end of the season, is hoping to break back into the national team after finding a new club, The PA reports.

McFadden has not kicked a ball for Scotland since being substituted in a 2010 game against Liechtenstein, after which he was dubbed "lazy" by manager Craig Levein.

"I haven't spoken to [Levein] since the Liechtenstein game," he said. "But I'm not a wee kid who needs reassurance or told that I am great or whatever.

"The manager makes the decisions, does things his way and I have to abide by that. But I am still young enough and if I can get back playing to the level I am capable of, then the next thing is to try to get back into the Scotland team.

"It is a big incentive to play for your country as it is, there is nothing better. But the fact there is a World Cup campaign coming up, I want to be involved in it and play as many games as I can."

McFadden, who is now a free agent, is currently training with former club Motherwell and has been linked with Celtic.