Cammy Bell believes that dropping down two divisions to join Rangers will not restrict his ambitions to be involved in the Scotland set-up.

With injury ruling Allan McGregor out of the two friendly games arranged for next month, against USA and Norway, Bell is hopeful he can return to the international squad.

Bell was first called up three years ago and made his solitary appearance in a friendly against the Faroe Islands at Pittodrie. David Marshall and Matt Gilks have tended to be the other goalkeepers in the squad alongside McGregor.

"I thought signing for Rangers would enhance my Scotland chances," Bell said. "Every other week I'm playing at Ibrox in front of 45,000. When I was in the SPL with Kilmarnock it was 5000 most weeks. Here we play in stadiums which are tight with people right on top of you, so there is more pressure on me than there was when I was playing in the SPL. It's completely different and a hard one to judge. But I feel coming here has brought me on as a player.

"The Scotland set-up has always been in my thoughts. International football is something I've always wanted to be involved in. I'd like to earn another call-up. Every time I go there I learn something from the other goalies and the staff, so it's definitely my ambition to get back in the squad."

Bell has been part of a defence that has conceded only five goals in 10 league matches, with three of those coming in the one game, against Brechin City. Working alongside Jim Stewart, the Rangers and Scotland goalkeeping coach, is also a benefit for Bell, although he does not believe that will influence Gordon Strachan's decision-making.

"Working with Jim Stewart has developed me as a goalie," Bell said. "I'm demanding different things of myself now. There is also more pressure on me here to keep clean sheets. Although people may say there isn't much action for me - and sometimes there isn't - I still need to organise my defence when it's like that because one goal can be crucial. We've worked hard as a back five to build up a good relationship."