Ryan Gauld admits it is both a thrill and a shock to be included in Sporting Lisbon's Champions League squad.
The 18-year old, who joined Lisbon from Dundee United in the summer, is the only Scottish player who will compete in Europe's premier club competition this season and says it was a surprise to find out that the Portuguese side had picked him in their CL roster.
"I heard about it through Twitter, actually. It's great to be in the squad and hopefully at some point I can maybe even be a part of it in games," said attacking midfielder Gauld.
"I was actually quite surprised because I've been playing with the B team. The A team have got a lot of depth and strength in the team so when the news did come out I was quite surprised.
"There was no indication from the manager Marco Silva because I think the draw was just a couple of days before I came back so there wasn't too much said about it. They were just going about it week by week so I'm just delighted with being named in the squad and I'm looking forward to it.
"I can only keep doing my best and keep doing what I try and do best and keep plugging away to make sure I am in his thoughts.
"To be involved in any way would be a great experience and something I would remember for a long time.
"But at the same time I'm not expecting anything. I'm keeping things realistic and I'm not hoping for too much, too soon.
"There have been a lot of new experiences just in the couple of months or so that I've been there - and there have been a lot of challenges as well. 'I'm sure there will be more to come and I can only look forward to it."
Scotland U21 international Gauld could get his first chance in the Champions League when Sporting take on Slovenian side NK Maribor on their group opener on September 17.
The Portuguese giants also meet Chelsea and German side Schalke in Group G of the 2014/15 edition of Europe's top club comp.
