Craig Mackail-Smith admits his adventures with Scotland have whetted his appetite for the big time.

The Albion striker is back from international duty with his first Scotland goal to his name and a star Spanish defender’s shirt in his collection.

He was reported to be “fit but a little tired” by boss Gus Poyet yesterday as he joined his club’s preparation for Saturday’s game against Hull City and his former strike partner at Peterborough, Aaron Mclean.

Mackail-Smith scored the winner as Scotland beat Liechtenstein on Saturday and did well against Spain on Tuesday, winning a penalty and giving Barcelona defender Gerard Pique a testing time.

He said: “Looking to the future with Scotland, we have got so much to be positive about.

“The squad is young and hungry. We try to play the right way and that gives us a good start.

“I enjoyed being out there among world class players, I hope one day domestically to be playing against defenders of that quality every week.”

Mackail-Smith reported no back problems after the Spain game.

He underwent a fitness test ahead of the 3-1defeat in Alicante but that was believed to be purely precautionary, having pulled out of the previous round of internationals with a back problem.

The Seagulls star was delighted to swap shirts with Pique after Tuesday’s game.

He said: “I felt I gave him a run for his money. He said I played well and wished me all the best.”

Mackail-Smith is likely to find highly rated Brazilian keeper Adriano Basso blocking his way to goal on Saturday.

Basso has used the international break to get treatment on a knee problem and is on course to play at The Amex.