TYLER Blackett has predicted his season-long loan move to Celtic could enable him to force his way into the full England squad ahead of the Euro 2016 finals in France next summer.

The Manchester United defender felt that not featuring regularly in the first team at Old Trafford limited the number of appearances he made for his national under-21 side.

However, the 21-year-old, who can play at either centre half or left back, is hoping that featuring regularly for the Scottish champions both domestically and in Europe will increase his chances of international football.

“I think I can take the next step with Celtic,” he said. “Over the years I’ve missed out on under-21 squads because I’ve not been playing as many games as the rest of the boys. It’s meant I’ve not quite been up there with the rest of the boys.

“But hopefully now, if I get a run of games and play some good stuff then I’ll get a call-up. It’s achievable for any player if they put their mind to it.

“I’m desperate to improve and I need to play games. I knew that’s obviously going to be difficult at United because of all the good players they have. I just want to come here and do well.

Blackett has two years remaining on his current contract at United and has refused to rule out move to Celtic permanently if his loan spell at Parkhead goes well.

"No one knows the future so what happens, happens,” he said. “For now, my focus is on Celtic and trying to do well here. If I can get a good run of games and improve as a player, we’ll see what comes after.

“You have to assess the situation at the time and whatever’s best for me and my family, and everyone surrounding it, we’ll make that decision when it comes to it.

“But winning medals is definitely an appealing prospect. To win any medal at a young age is what every player dreams of really. No matter what club you are at, you want to win trophies and be a winner. You want to improve and be involved in these situations.”

Blackett made 12 appearances for the Manchester United first team last season under Louis van Gaal and lined up alongside Robin van Persie in the majority of those outings.

He believes his familiarity with the Netherlands striker can help Celtic in the Europa League matches against Fenerbahce if his former team mate is involved with the Turkish club he joined in the summer.

“The Europa League was most definitely a factor in me joining Celtic,” he said. “It’s a chance to play in Europe and that’s a huge plus as we have some good games to look forward to.

“I saw the draw and was delighted with the teams we’ve been grouped with. Hopefully they will be good games.

“I know Robin well from our time together at United. Robin was a great for me. He spoke to me a lot of times. But he’s like that with a lot of young players. He’s a nice guy to talk to and it would also be good to play against him.

“Fenerbahce is a game I’m really looking forward to, along with the other Euro ties. It would be great to play against Robin. I know about him as a player - but I’m sure he’d say the same about me. He’ll also know my strengths and weaknesses! We’ll see what happens on the night.”

Blackett, who has spent loan spells at English Championship clubs Blackpool and Birmingham City in the last two seasons, admitted he would be content to play at either centre half or left back for Ronny Deila's side.

“When I younger I played left back, but over recent years I’ve played quite a number of games as a centre-back so I’m comfortable in both positions,” he said.

“There aren’t that many left footed centre-backs around so that’s obviously an option, but where ever the manager needs me, I’m happy to play there.

“The manager is happy to have brought me here and I was happy myself, but he’s said he’ll see me in a few positions and hopefully I’ll get a good run of games and that will be good for me.”