Several Hearts players close to international honours following Nathaniel Atkinson's Australia call-up

Taking the field against Japan or Saudi Arabia in forthcoming World Cup qualifiers will see Atkinson join Craig Gordon, Michael Smith, Stephen Kingsley, John Souttar, Ben Woodburn, Liam Boyce, Gary Mackay-Steven and Barrie McKay in holding full caps for their respective countries.

Several others at Riccarton are being touted for international honours as a result of Hearts’ impressive first season back in the cinch Premiership.

A Scotland recall for Kingsley as a versatile left-sided defender might already have happened but for the high-profile exploits of Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney. Likewise forward Barrie McKay, who is behind John McGinn and Ryan Christie for attacking midfield berths.

Centre-back Craig Halkett is another watched by Scotland coach Steve Clarke lately. Then there is Atkinson’s compatriot Cammy Devlin, who might also be celebrating a maiden call-up from Australia coach Graham Arnold if a hamstring injury hadn’t sidelined him.

“I think he was in the provisional squad, which has about 60-odd players,” smiled Robbie Neilson, the Hearts manager. “I don't think he will be far away. He just needs to get himself fit and get into the next one.

“Craig Halkett has been doing very well. Ultimately it's up to Steve to decide. He has decided to pick some other players so Craig needs to continue doing what he's doing. If he does that, then he will be asking more questions for the next squad.

“Both him and Kingsley have done very well. We have some big games coming up – a chance to get into Europe and win a cup – if they can do that it will raise their stock even more and give Steve more questions.”

Atkinson’s progress to the Socceroos comes just two months since he joined Hearts from Melbourne City. “We're