GUDNI Bergsson - the born again international - looked back on his five and a half year Iceland exile today and claimed: "It did me a favour."

Like Alan Shearer, who retired from his England duties to concentrate on leading Newcastle's assault on the Premiership, the 37-year-old defender is convinced his own "retirement" has extended his career.

"My absence from the international side has benefited me and Bolton Wanderers," the Reebok skipper said.

"I was captain of my country and I put a lot of myself into that job. It takes a lot of energy - not just playing but carrying out the captain's duties. That's why I have never been over-concerned about not playing internationals. It allowed me to concentrate on my football with Bolton and kept me focused on keeping fit.

"It may have extended my career. It certainly meant I was able to maintain my fitness longer and allowed me to play more games. The rest periods have been important, helping me stay in better shape."

Nevertheless, Bergsson had no hesitation in accepting the invitation to return to the Iceland squad for the European Championship Qualifier in Scotland on March 29 for possibly just one more international before he finally retires in May.

Atli Edvaldsson's call might have come out of the blue but it means Bergsson now has the opportunity to end his international career on a high note rather than being left to reflect on one of the more unsavoury aspects of his career.

He was never considered for selection after rowing with a previous manager over travel arrangements - a spat which denied the international "minnows" the services of one of the most respected defenders in the game and cost the Bolton skipper - the second most decorated player in Iceland's history - the chance to collect a century of caps.

The FA of Iceland always knew they had a quality player at their disposal but made no attempt to heal the rift. The clamour for Bergsson's recall in the media appeared to make them dig in their heals even more until Edvaldsson decided to bury the hatchet this week.

"It wasn't an argument in recent years," Bergsson explained after the reconciliation. "It was just a question of someone making a decision to select me and picking up the phone.

"I knew I was playing well but I suppose I wasn't considered because of my age and my pending retirement. They came in for a lot of criticism from the press but I think that just made them more stubborn."

With Ipswich defender Hermann Hreidarsson injured, the Hampden Park game looks certain to take Bergsson's cap tally to 78. Having captained his country on 30 occasions, he will revert to what he humorously describes as the ranks of the "foot soldiers".

But will it be his last? "We've said we'll have a chat after the Scotland game and see how things have gone," he said. "But I will retire this summer so I haven't got much time left.

"For now I'm just looking at this one chance, delighted to be playing for my country again and finally putting to bed that dispute."