Aberdeen midfielder Kenny McLean is targeting a call-up to the Scotland squad for March’s double-header with the Czech Republic and Denmark.
Gordon Strachan will pick two separate squads for each game with one set of players taking on the Czech Republic in Prague on March 24 before the other group takes to the field against the Danes at Hampden on March 29.
With double the number of places up for grabs, McLean hopes he is under consideration by national manager Gordon Strachan, who was at last Friday’s 1-0 win against Dundee.
He said: “I would love to be involved with the Scotland squad at some stage.
“When you are playing with a big club like Aberdeen you have to have ambitions to get into the national squad.
“I am no different from anyone my age, I want to be in there. I know it’s probably a bit away, so I need to keep working hard. But if it comes then I’ll do my best to take my chance.”
It is almost a year since McLean made a surprise deadline-day move from St Mirren to Aberdeen.
The 24-year-old midfielder made a slow start to life at Pittodrie and struggled to establish himself as an automatic pick during his first six months at the club.
But McLean has been one of the club’s key performers this season and played a prominent role in helping the Dons to second in the Scottish Premiership.
Only Graeme Shinnie, Ash Taylor and Shay Logan have played more minutes for the Dons this season, with McLean chipping in with five goals and six assists during his 30 appearances in the 2015-16 campaign.
He added: “I have been here a year now and have enjoyed it.
“It has been what I hoped. It was sticky to start with but I am in the team now and playing most weeks.
“I just want to keep improving and become better. When a new player comes into the squad the place gets a lift and hopefully I did that.”