Tom Cairney has heaped praise on Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic after receiving his first Scotland call-up for the games against Canada and Slovenia.

The 26-year-old has been in the form of his life this season and has turned heads with his performances which have included nine goals so far.

Despite playing for Scotland U21s, Cairney had never received a senior call-up, but this season he has been used in a midfield three which is favoured by Jokanovic which has led to Gordon Strachan selecting the Fulham vice captain this time round.

And Cairney believes Jokanovic switching him from the right of midfield to that central position has been the catalyst for his season and his call-up.

He said: "I have wanted it for a long time now and it is great to finally be here - I don't want to just be a flash in the pan. Once I am in, I want to stay in.

"I thought it would happen at some stage but, when it eventually happens, no matter how the season has gone, it is still surprising.

"I have never had a season like I've had and I owe a lot to the manager and the staff for that as well.

"A few managers over the last couple of seasons have played me on the right wing, I can play there, but I never felt that was my strongest position.

"I have been playing in the middle of a three and it's more natural to my game and that's a big factor in my form this season and I've enjoyed it a lot."