He was the odd man out in the right-back debate and some were even surprised to see him in the squad.
But what a pleasant surprise it's proved to be as Anthony Ralston was the star of the show against Armenia.
The term "fairytale" does him a disservice, as there was no fairy godmother or magic beanstalk that got him here. Just plain old hard work and determination.
But there was definitely something of the magical realism about it as he rose at the back post and momentarily turned into Lyndon Dykes. His first goal on his first ever start for his country.
It was such a strong performance from the 23-year-old, it earned him the label Brickiesta from punters, a development on the 'Holy Brickie' moniker bestowed by adoring Celtic fans.
And he's now widely viewed as the starting right-back for the present, with fans and pundits in near universal agreement.
Nathan Patterson is a star but isn't playing for Everton. Stephen O'Donnell's time has come and gone, and Aaron Hickey showed against Ukraine that he's not the solution yet.
Ralston is the Goldilocks right-back - he's just right for what Scotland need now .
Reacting to his performance, Kris Boyd reckons he's the perfect counterweight to Andy Robertson on the other side, something that has been missing since Patterson's injury put the starting spot up for grabs.
He said on Sky Sports : "It just shows you what can happen if you wait patiently and take your opportunity when it comes. He's done that this season at Celtic and you saw him last night, he was excellent up and down the right.
"He got his goal and he was a real outlet as well. Armenia sat in and it was crucial Ralston and Robertson stretched the pitch.
"They were both really, really good."
There were certainly parallels with the devastating partnership the Scotland captain has struck up with Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool and with a huge game against Ireland coming up soon, James McFadden is clamouring to see it in action again.
He said after the match: "Ralston taken his chance at club level and he's certainly taken his chance at international level as well.
"I wonder if Steve Clarke had it in his mind that this was the game for Anthony Ralston, Saturday is the game for Nathan Patterson and the next one for Steven O'Donnell.
"But I think Anthony Ralston has done enough (to start in Dublin).
"His positional sense was really good and he was a threat in an attacking sense."
Ireland and a trip to Armenia for the return fixture remain for Scotland before the international break comes to an end.
As McFadden points out, Clarke will be keen to assess all of his right-back options and O'Donnell and Patterson will likely see their share of the minutes
But Alan Hutton, who made 50 appearances at right-back for Scotland, reckons Brickiesta has done enough to cement his place.
He said: "He went out there and he proved a point and he made the position his own for this moment in time.
"I think the long-term future has to be Nathan Patterson, for me, moving forward, if he gets to the standard we know he can.
"But at this moment in time, it has to be Anthony Ralston. He has to play."
