The Sunderland right-back, 25, jetted out to Prague for Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Czech Republic with the rest of the squad today after all the necessary paperwork was completed.

Bardsley was born in England but qualifies through his Glaswegian father and had previously dismissed the idea of representing the Scots when he was a teenager.

Speaking in the Mirror back in January, the former Manchester United and Rangers player said: "The only time it has really come up was when Sir Alex locked me in a room with Walter Smith when I was 18, which was a bit scary."

Bardsley has since warmed to the idea and explained at Glasgow Airport today: "It wasn't a case of saying no. It was a tough decision.

"I was still a young lad, I was only 17 or 18 and it was a tough decision for me to make at that time in my career.

"I was asked last year what the situation was and I said I would be willing to come up if someone called me.

"The manager has done that and I'm 100% committed and looking forward to the challenge.

"Over the last couple of years, I've been asked the question again and I've just been waiting for someone to pick up the phone and ask me on a personal basis.

"I'm delighted to be here, although I think it was a surprise to a few of the players when I turned up for breakfast this morning."

He added: "A couple of weeks ago (Sunderland scout) Ricky Sbragia asked if I would be interested in joining up with the squad. I said 'yes' and thought nothing more of it.

"Then, on Monday, I got the call and yesterday was a mad rush.

"I had to get some paperwork together and get up here. I'm delighted to be here and hopefully I'll be involved in the games."

Asked if he feels Scottish, he smiled: "Absolutely. 100%. I'm proud and my father and my family will be proud.

"They will be delighted that I'm here and part of this campaign."

Bardsley could make his debut quicker than anticipated if Alan Hutton fails to recover from a groin problem in time.

He said: "I played for Sunderland last week so I'm in shape, I trained today and I'm raring to go if called upon.

"You never know. I trained this morning and I'm fit and feeling good. If I'm playing, I'm playing. If not, I'll just keep working hard.

"Facing the Czech Republic and Spain, the world champions, will be two tough games but they are games all the lads are looking forward to and we are looking forward to giving it all we've got."

Levein confirmed Bardsley was called up as cover with Alan Hutton an injury doubt.

However, he is hopeful both Hutton and goalkeeper Allan McGregor will be passed fit.

On Bardsley, Levein said:"It's been a bit rushed to be honest. We've been aware of his eligibility for a while but it was just a matter of finding out whether he was going to commit to Scotland.

"We found out he had a change of heart from a couple of years ago and he's desperate to be involved.

"He is another young but experienced player who fits the profile and I'm pleased to have him on board."

Meanwhile, Levein refused to be drawn on speculation that Kenny Miller will be dropped for the clash in Prague.

He said he would not name the team until 24 hours before the game.

Bardsley said: "I got the call on Monday and it was a bit of a mad rush yesterday getting the paperwork sorted. I'm delighted to be here and hopefully I'll be involved in the games.

"I'm in shape, I trained today and I'm raring to go if called upon. I'm proud and my father and my family will be proud. They will be delighted I'm here and part of this campaign."