Don Cowie is hoping to score more goals for Watford this season in a bid to keep his place in the Scotland squad after his recall for the crucial qualifiers with Czech Republic and Spain.

Malky Mackay stated he believed Cowie deserved to be in Craig Levein’s squad two weeks ago after the midfielder’s superb start to the season and the Hornets manager received his wish this week.

Cowie was one of three players called up on Monday after a number of withdrawals and with Lee McCulloch suspended for the first match against Czech Republic tonight [Friday] and Scott Brown also doubtful with injury, the Watford midfielder could even start.

The 27-year-old’s early form for the Hornets, following his £50,000 move from Inverness CT in February 2009, earned him his first call-up in November.

But Cowie has not been involved in Levein’s recent Scotland squads and the hard-working midfielder, who Mackay described as the “ultimate team player”, believes more goals could cement his place.

“This season I am hoping to score a few more goals because that is how I will continue to catch Craig Levein’s eye,” Cowie told the Scottish Herald.

“I am under no illusions though because it is a very competitive position and I will have to work hard to have any chance.”

Scotland face the Czech Republic in Prague tomorrow night and then welcome Spain to Hampden Park on Tuesday.