Teenage Ross County goalkeeper Ross Munro wants to grab more international chances after his maiden call-up to the Scotland under-21 squad.
Munro travelled out to Ukraine with the under-21s last month and was in the squad for the home game with England at Tynecastle, following the withdrawal of Hamilton Accies’ Ryan Fulton.
His cup performances for the Staggies were repaid by under-21s boss Scot Gemmill with his maiden call-up, alongside Robby McCrorie of Rangers and Celtic’s on-loan stopper Ross Doohan.
Now he has had his first taste of the international set-up, Munro has added incentive to make the most of his chances in the County first team.
He said: “It was a great experience for me – I loved every minute of it. It gave me a taste of what it’s like to go abroad with boys from all over Scotland. It whetted the appetite for me. It’s just made me push harder now, knowing they are watching me. It’s up to me to put on performances when I get the chance, in games like Saturday.
“I can’t ask for much more. Playing so close to home at a good level is a dream come true. The gaffers are both very good and gave me a chance at the start of the season. I’m cherishing it.”
Munro’s call-up came straight after the young Staggies won the North of Scotland Cup final against rivals Inverness, and the 18-year-old could get his hands on two pieces of silverware this season, with County in the last four of the IRN-BRU Cup.
The Nairn-born stopper has been promised action in cup games for the Dingwall club this season, by co-managers Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell, and he is determined to add another trophy to what is fast becoming his breakthrough season.
He added: “It’s obviously our objective to push for the cup and win it. We thought we should have done a lot better on Saturday but credit to them, they’re a good side. I’m glad to get over the line.
“The managers have said to me it’s my chance in the cup, to prove myself while Foxy plays the league games. I’ve enjoyed the chance so far and think I’ve done well in the few matches.”