Ian Murray will be looking on as Scotland take on Japan this weekend, with a particular interest in how his friend and team-mate Derek Riordan does on his return to the international stage. There will however be no feelings of envy from the Hibernian defender, nor will there be the slightest tinges of regret that he is no longer involved in that level of football.

Ian relaxed with Hibernian TV yesterday looking back on the season so far. The campaign started with his having to sit out the first few games because of suspension, but he quickly re-established himself in the side - and sitting back in defence he can appreciate more than most the qualities that exist in the team that manager John Hughes is forging.

"Playing in our defence it's good to know that you have so many options available to you when you are on the ball," Ian told the club internet TV station, adding: "You know that nine times out of ten if you get the balls to these guys up front early then there is a very good chance they will do some damage. We saw that on Saturday there and although we only got the one goal I don't think it would have been unfair had we gone in at half-time two or three goals ahead.

"Even in the second half we were creating a lot of chances, Derek had one and it's very unusual for him to miss from that range - but we know that most of the time these opportunities will end up in the back of the net. There was plenty encouragement for us as well with Zemmama, Benji and Stokes working so hard up there so there are plenty of options for us."

The Hibernian Training Centre this week has taken on the surreal atmosphere that is now normal on international week with so many players away with the respective national squads. That provides players like Murray with a chance to recharge their own batteries and gather their thoughts: "Having so many in the international squads is a good thing for the Club. Derek is back in the Scotland squad. He is really working hard right now - he has been back with Hibernian for a year but this is the time when the hard work and good form are coming together for him at the same time. You can look and wonder why he has not been included before this, but the other side of the argument is that perhaps he has not deserved it. Nobody can I think say he does not deserve to be there now though."

Asked if he might hanker for a return to football at that level, Ian is adamant that such thoughts are no longer in his mind: "I think my chances of international football might have gone after this week - anyone who is not in this Scotland squad will never get there with so many call-offs! But if I'm honest it is not something I take too much interest in any more. That is perhaps the wrong attitude to have at times but I do enjoy spending time at home.

"It's great to be involved and I have been involved in international football and it was a great experience, but I'm 28 now - there are exceptions of course but if you are not there or thereabouts at that age then I do think you're time is over. It is though great for Hibernian to see so many players who have come through the system here making it into the Scotland squad, and it's still happening with the young boys here being called up to the 19's and 21's, it does show the Hibernian system works."

The full interview with Ian Murray is available now on Hibernian TV.