Hibernian striker Derek Riordan has missed out on a Scotland place for the Euro 2012 qualifiers but his club managers says he can force his way in.

Hibernian boss John Hughes has backed Derek Riordan to add to his three Scotland caps. The Easter Road striker was left out of Craig Levein’s squad to play Czech Republic and Spain but Hughes says he thinks his star will get his chance eventually.Riordan has had a terrific start to the season with his club, scoring three times already. A magnificent chip against Celtic at Parkhead has been the highlight and Hughes said if he continues in that vein then he would be difficult to ignore.“I think he has shown form, goal-scoring form too," the manager said. "He has certainly come into Craig's thoughts."He just needs to keep doing what he's doing for Hibs and scoring goals, and I'm sure the door will open again for him."Though now manager, Hughes was the striker’s team-mate early in Riordan’s career and he noted that there was a new maturity about the 27-year old. While there has often been a perception that the skilful forward was not blessed with a terrific work-rate, Hughes said that he felt that had changed and the player was now more determined."He works very hard at his game," Hughes said. "We're finished training and Derek is still out there shooting and practising."My concern on Saturday was playing Derek as a lone striker, and I felt he worked his socks off. I was delighted he got a goal to go with all the hard work, realising you can score goals, work hard and play your part for the team."Derek knows that every game he needs to put his shoulder to the wheel. And I've seen that, I've had no complaints with Derek Riordan since I've come to the club. In fact, it's the opposite, I've been impressed with his attitude and commitment.” The manager warned though, that he did not want to see the player do too much defensive work, saying he was too good in the final third to be sacrificed. However, by improving his all-round game, Hughes said, Riordan would help his team and get among the goals.