Rhodes hopes to build on debut

The striker - who sealed a move from Huddersfield Town to Blackburn Rovers last month - has retained his place in Craig Levein's squad after the outing at Easter Road which saw him claim his first senior goal for the national team in a 3-1 win.

Rhodes is now hoping to use what he has learned from the experience when the Scots host Serbia on Saturday afternoon (local time), followed by FYR Macedonia next week.

He told the Scottish FA's website: "It was great to be part of it and great to be involved against Australia.

"I thought we played really well on the night and it is great for your development to come in to a team alongside players of that ability.

"It is not just the character they show on the field but off the field; the charisma of the senior players such as Charlie Adam, Gary Caldwell and James Morrison.

"There were a few new players against Australia and having that experience around you gives you a tremendous insight into what it takes to succeed at international level.

"It is great to learn from the senior players and hopefully I can take what I have learned into the qualifiers if I am fortunate enough to be involved."

Scotland hopes to make its mark early on in a tough group, which also includes Wales, Belgium and Croatia.

Rhodes added: "This week it is about focusing on the task in hand and that's getting off to a good start against Serbia and getting us into contention early.

"People talk about how many points we need here or there but it is not important - we will need as many points as it requires for us to qualify.

"All I know is that the squad assembled by the manager will be doing their utmost to get off to the best possible start."