Alex Iacovitti believes his move to Ross County can boost his prospects of earning a senior Scotland call-up.
Nottingham-born defender Iacovitti has Italian roots but also qualifies to play for Scotland through his Edinburgh-born mother, and has represented the Scots up to under-21 level.
Iacovitti was notably part of Scot Gemmill’s Scotland under-20 side which defeated Brazil 1-0 at the Toulon Tournament in 2017.
The 22-year-old, who joined County from English League Two club Oldham Athletic last week, feels impressing with the Staggies can help him to succeed in his ambition of breaking into Steve Clarke’s national team.
Iacovitti said: “I have played for Scotland at every single age group from U16’s through to the U21s.
“I wanted to come up here, play on this stage and show everyone what I can do.
“I have heard there has been a few issues with selecting defenders.
“I’m 22 so have a lot of years ahead of me and if I can force my way in I’d be delighted.
“I really enjoyed playing for Scotland in the Toulon tournament when we beat Brazil and made history.
“So far I’ve not been near the full team but I’d love the chance to do it and that was in my thinking. Hopefully I can make that next step.”
A number of Iacovitti’s former team-mates at Scotland youth level have progressed into the senior squad, which has made the left-sided player all the more determined to follow suit.
Iacovitti added: “I have always wanted to play up here and hopefully play for Scotland.
“Oliver Burke is my mate, I grew up with him at Nottingham Forest and he’s in the squad.
“Kieran Tierney, Oli McBurnie and Greg Taylor were also in the same squads as me.
“I’ve seen them do well, get into the full squad and do well for their clubs, so hopefully I’ll be able to do similar.
“Watching them all play for their clubs, some of them in the Scottish Premiership, and play for Scotland was one of the drivers for me coming here.”