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."
LividAnderson 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."