Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell praised the attitude of Lennon Miller after the midfielder dropped down to Scotland Under-19s and played longer than agreed without any complaints.
Miller made a big impact for the Scotland Under-21s in previous months but was happy to drop down a level.
The 18-year-old played 90 minutes in a defeat by Wales and 68 minutes in a goalless draw with France as Neil MacFarlane’s side just missed out on European qualification.
Kettlewell, who insisted there had been no talks over Miller with any interested parties, said: “I think what Lennon’s done over the last week or two showed everybody what he is as a lad. He dips down, he goes to play with Scotland’s under-19s.
“We had a conversation with them about managing his game time before the three games. Probably played a few more minutes than what was agreed, but no qualms with me, no qualms with Lennon. He loves playing football.
“It just shows everybody that he’s got a burning desire to be the best player that he possibly can be. It shows how humble he is. It shows that he’s not getting carried away with any talk about him as a footballer, and I’m especially pleased with that.”
Tawanda Maswanhise had a successful international break, scoring the goal that took Zimbabwe into the African Cup of Nations.
The attacker, who turned 22 this week, followed scoring three goals in his past two William Hill Premiership games with a goal against Kenya as his country booked their trip to Morocco.
The former Leicester player will miss a number of games during a busy period in the league with the tournament taking place from December 21 to January 18, but Kettlewell was delighted for his player.
“He’s taken on the form that he’s had here at club level, that bit of an eye for goal which has been great for us in the last few games and what a massive goal it is for his nation as well,” he said.
“We’re really, really delighted with how he’s progressed here but also, I’m not sure the last time a Motherwell player scored for their national team. That’s a real good milestone for him and everything else that comes beyond that, then we’ll take.
“What we have is another young player with limited first-team experience, showing up really well here but also for his national team.
“I believe we’ve won a few extra supporters in his homeland as well, so that’s always nice for us.”
The Motherwell players who were not involved in internationals were busy, with a friendly against Rangers last week followed by some hard work in training.
“Players managed to get just a couple of days off over the weekend past and we’ve been back in first thing again this week,” said Kettlewell ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Ross County.
“I know a lot of people would have had time off and jetting off and going to various different places to sunnier climates and all the rest of it. I just didn’t feel that that’s right for us as a group.
“I hate extra days off. I like to be in, working, trying to become better at my job, for the players to try to become better at their job.
“I understand that there needs to be rest and recovery within that. But this is what we sign up for. This is what we want to do. Play as many games as you possibly can, try and be as successful as you possibly can.”