Warren Feeney seems to be enjoying training on Monday

Warren Feeney is eager to start for Northern Ireland against Scotland on Wednesday as he claims his confidence is growing by the day at Dundee United.

The striker, on a season-long loan deal from Cardiff, helped United earn a superb draw against Celtic on Sunday.

Kyle Lafferty's absence because of injury means Feeney is likely to partner David Healy in attack.

"We will not be treating it as a friendly against Scotland as we want to get into good habits," said Feeney.

The 27-year-old's ambition is to get games under his belt after a frustrating time at Cardiff where his progress was hampered by injury.

Feeney said: "I am enjoying my football again. We have a good manager (Craig Levein) who is keen to get things going and take the club forward.

"He wants to challenge the Old Firm and although we have only played two games I do not see why we cannot do that."

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington is using Wednesday's friendly as a pointer to the opening World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in Bratislava on 4 September.

606: DEBATE I think Evans will go into the centre of defence, McAuley will be at right back and Feeney will partner Healy MBE up front NI_Football

Feeney believes it is important to hit the ground running.

"It gives the fringe players a good chance to get in there and perhaps leave the manager with something to think about with the qualifier to come in three weeks."

Feeney has scored three goals in 24 matches for Northern Ireland and is immensely patriotic.

He said: "I love playing for my country. It is the highlight of any player's career. It would be great to start but that is the manager's decision.

"The fact we are playing one of the home nations in Scotland makes it special as well and something I would love to be part of."

Feeney has swapped Cardiff for Carnoustie, where he is now based.

"Dundee United is a good club and my family are settled, " he said.

"Mind you I have never played as much golf in my life!"