Paul Telfer was among the most shocked people in the country today when he learned he had been called up by Scotland for the prestige match against the World Champions France.

The match was arranged as the official opening of the newly constructed National Stadium at Hampden Park, Glasgow and it is a massive honour for Telfer to be part of Craig Brown's squad

He links up with Coventry's new centre-back Colin Hendry in the squad with every chance of playing his part on the pitch for his first full cap.

His call up came after full back Jackie McNamara had to pull out through injury and then Leicester City's Matt Elliott did likewise because he was needed at the bedside of his sick child.

It was a big surprise for 28-year-old Telfer, who had written off his chances of winning full caps despite playing at under-21 and B levels.

Coventry's manager Gordon Strachan added to the impact by kidding the player along.

"I asked him if he fancied playing a match in between our club games against Arsenal and Liverpool and he said he did because it would be good for his fitness after his recent injury.

"He asked if it was for the reserves away to Nottingham Forest - but I told him it was for his country, at home to the World Champions!

"Craig Brown telephoned me to ask how Paul was after his injury and I told him Paul would not let anyone down if he was called up to the squad.  We are all delighted for him."

Telfer is the second Coventry player to get a surprise international call up this season.  Steve Froggatt's call to the England squad against Scotland in the Euro 2000 play offs, surprised the pundits.

Coventry's youth team could only draw 1-1 at home to Southampton in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup semi-final at Highfield Road last night, despite dominating much of the play.