Ryan Gauld's Scotland call-ups have pushed him to new heights according to his Vancouver Whitecaps manager Vanni Sartini.
The former Dundee United and Benfica star was unable to prevent his side from getting knocked out of the MLS Cup play-offs after a defeat to LAFC.
He was finally handed a route back from the international wilderness this year under Steve Clarke and has made four substitute appearances for Scotland.
And according to Italian boss Sartini, Gauld is at the top of his game at the age of 28.
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He said: "Ryan is playing probably his best football of the season. The recognition he got with the Scottish national team, going there twice now and collecting four caps in a row, that gave him an extra boost of confidence.
"Then, the fact that he's been our captain the entire season. He became much more of a leader than he was before. He really matured into a franchise player for us.
"He's a dominant player who can influence games. It's great he's getting his praise and everyone is noticing the quality he brings.”
