KRIS Commons believes he can break back into the Scotland squad – despite being overlooked for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifying openers.

Commons missed out on a place in Craig Levein's squad for the double header against Lithuania and Liechtenstein.

The Derby County forward has been capped six times for Scotland but the last of those came almost a year ago, in a World Cup qualifier against Holland in September 2009.

Since then, Commons has been plagued by injury problems but he has made an impressive start to the 2010-11 campaign.

He has scored twice in the Championship so far, although he limped out of the action with tight hamstrings shortly after giving the Rams the lead against Queens Park Rangers at Pride Park last weekend.

Commons, who hopes to be fit following the international break, admitted he was disappointed not to be called up to the latest Scotland squad.

"Looking at it, I was a bit disappointed not to be in the squad," he said.

"Of course, you always want to be involved in the international set-up.

"Right now, it's time for me to play well for my club, at home and away.

"I know there will probably be someone watching in the stands and I just need to put in good performances to get recognised again."

When Commons was last called up by Scotland, former Derby manager George Burley was the national boss.

So now the 26-year-old is hoping to impress Levein, who was appointed Scotland manager in December.

"The manager has a lot of experience in Scotland and no doubt he's got scouts watching players down here as well as up there," Commons added.

"I've been in touch with Scotland and they are aware I'm available.

"So now it's up to me to put in performances, stay fit and score goals. Hopefully, that will be enough to get me in."

After the current round of matches, Scotland's next two qualifiers are away to the Czech Republic and at home to World Cup winners Spain, on October 8 and 12 respectively.

"There are some massive games coming up and you only have to get involved once or twice and that can cement your place in the side for the next couple of matches," said Commons.

"So it would be nice to get involved in that but, first, I have to start playing better for Derby."

In the past, Commons, who played up front for Derby against QPR, has been used in midfield at international level.

The midfielders in the current squad include Charlie Adam (Blackpool), Scott Brown (Celtic), Graham Dorrans (West Bromwich Albion), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), James Morrison (West Brom), Barry Robson (Middlesbrough) and Paul Hartley (Aberdeen).

"Scotland are a strong outfit," said Commons. "They have some good players who are playing in the Premier League or the SPL, so it's going to be tough for me to get back in there."

Commons' club future also needs to be sorted out as he enters the final season of his current contract with Derby.

The player stated his wish to remain at Pride Park in an interview with the Derby Telegraph in June and is set for talks about a new deal.

Rams chief executive Tom Glick said: "We had discussions with Kris and his agent in the summer and all parties agreed to leave it until after the transfer window closed.

"We are now at that point. We are conscious he is in his final year and we are delighted he says his future is at Derby County.

"I think we know if Kris can stay fit then he is a game-changer. He has shown a great willingness to help himself stay fit. We expect to be speaking to him about his future."