Paul Gallacher admitted he feared his Scotland days were behind him after receiving a surprise recall for Saturday's friendly in Wales.

The 30-year-old St Mirren goalkeeper was drafted in for the trip to Cardiff after number one Craig Gordon fractured an arm during Sunderland's 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Tottenham on Saturday.

Gallacher, who earned the last of his eight caps in May 2004, got the nod ahead of Neil Alexander, who has dropped down the pecking order after finding himself out of the team at Rangers.

The former Dundee United keeper told his club's official website: "I wasn't expecting that phone call on Sunday morning but I'm pleasantly surprised as you are never sure that the chance will come around again for an international call-up. I'm absolutely delighted.

"My last cap was about five years ago against Estonia and I was in a few squads after that so it is good to be involved again."

Gallacher only joined St Mirren this summer and may not have been in the side at all but for a long-term injury to Chris Smith.

He said: "I've been pleased with my performances with St Mirren. Sure, some things can be improved but getting the call-up is great as it wasn't really something that I was expecting so it is obviously a wee bonus.

"At 30, you sometimes think the days of an international call-up may be past you, but even if is just for a one-off occasion, I'm still over the moon to be involved.

"I've been lucky enough to have a few caps to my name already.

"It is something that I have been there and played at that level, but I'm absolutely delighted to be involved again at this time."

He added: "Of course I would love to be involved in the game on Saturday but I'm realistic that I've only been brought in due to an injury to Craig Gordon.

"I'll go along and see how things come along and hopefully I'll show enough that I'll be considered for future squads but I'll take things one step at a time."

Gallacher was able to celebrate his recall with Buddies team-mate Andy Dorman, who earned his maiden call-up to the Wales squad for Saturday's game.

"I'm really pleased for Andy as it has been a tough week for him with all the speculation," Gallacher said of the midfielder, who became the first player selected for a home nations squad under the new school rule.

"He has been playing well again this season and I think he got another wee lift today when he got the news.

"And while I obviously will wish him all the best, hopefully if he does take part on Saturday he doesn't do too well!"

Meanwhile, Scotland assistant manager Terry Butcher has urged David Marshall to cement his place as Gordon's understudy this weekend.

Cardiff keeper Marshall is likely to start at his home stadium and Butcher told the Scottish Football Association's official website: "We all know about Craig Gordon and what he can do.

"He's been fantastic for Sunderland, obviously, and unbelievable for Scotland. It is a massive blow for him, he's just come back from an injury as well.

"It does give an opportunity for people like David Marshall and Jamie Langfield to say, 'I want to step up here'.

"David Marshall, particularly, was immense against Holland in the last qualifier and he's playing on his home ground as well.

"David has really confirmed himself as Scotland's number two.

"When you get the opportunity to start the game and play on a regular basis, you've got to grab that opportunity."

Butcher revealed his commitments with Inverness - who have a game this weekend - would prevent him attending Saturday's match.

He said: "It's the second one I've missed, which is very disappointing for me because when you work with the squad and train with the squad, you obviously want to continue through to the match."

Rangers defender Steven Whittaker is a doubt for the game after he was taken off during Saturday's 2-1 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over St Mirren with a hamstring complaint.

An SFA spokesperson said on Monday: "We are still waiting on news on Steven Whittaker.

"The players are not due to meet up until tomorrow morning at Glasgow airport so we will have a better idea then."