Graham says getting first Scotland call-up was ‘surreal’

Luke Graham says getting his first call-up to the Scotland squad was “pretty surreal”.

The 22-year-old defender has impressed since making the summer switch to Stoke City, playing eight games so far in the Championship.

Sebastien Pocognoli included the former Dundee defender in his first Scotland squad – a pleasant surprise for the Graham family.

“My mum and dad were down because I had a game that weekend, so for him to call me the day after with them there it was pretty special – and they were fairly chuffed as well,” said Graham.

“Obviously, it’s a new manager, so everyone’s raring to go and trying to impress but I just need to show myself up in the best way I can and hopefully try and get some minutes.”

Graham has won eight caps for Scotland at under-21 level and he’s hoping that experience can push him forward with the first team.

“It does help coming in fully for the first time but obviously I knew a couple of boys before that, anyway, with under-21s and stuff like that, so that helps to kind of bed it in as well,” added the defender.

“Just to meet up with the boys today and then get that first session, obviously with the new manager and stuff, was pretty vital, so it was really good.”