Robbie Deas hopeful Kilmarnock move can help him break into Scotland squad

New Kilmarnock defender Robbie Deas is hoping his move to Rugby Park can help him realise his international ambitions by breaking into the Scotland squad.

The 23-year-old, who joined the Ayrshire club from Inverness Caley Thistle, has been capped at under-17, 19 and 21 levels, but never for the senior team.

He now believes a move to the Premiership can help catch the eye of Steve Clarke for the remaining Euro qualifiers.

The former Celtic youth player, who had spells on loan at Cowdenbeath and Alloa, is optimistic about the season ahead and is confident Derek McInnes can take the side to new heights after their tenth-place finish last year.

He said: “I am really happy to be here, I see the vision that the gaffer has got and the club moving in the right direction, and that’s what I want to be part of.

“We are looking to improve on last season and look higher up the table, because there is no reason we can’t and our target has got to be at least top six.

“We’ve brought some good players in and the gaffer’s been really good, we’ve got an exciting project here and I’m delighted to be here at such an exciting time.

“I feel more than ready now to take the step up to Premiership football and make myself known.

“I have always said I want to play at the highest level possible, a dream of mine is to represent my country and I have a great platform here to do well, so who knows?

“I’ve played for the under-17s and under-19s and got one cap for the Under-21s and there’s no better feeling than playing for your country.

“You play against the best players from other countries and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do and test myself at that level, and it was always a privilege to pull on the strip.

“Growing up I’ve always followed the national team and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do.

“You look at players in the past who have played for the national team while playing here, Greg Taylor for example, Brophy as well, there is a platform here and as I say the gaffer has an exciting plan here and I am delighted to be part of it.

“To get to play against the best players in the country is what you dream about as a boy, and I now have the chance to do that.

“I feel that each season since I’ve been playing I’ve got better and better and I intend to do that again here.”