SCOTLAND Under-21s striker Fraser Hornby insists he's playing in one of the best leagues in the world after becoming the first Scot to clinch a permanent move to France for 20 years.

Scot Gemmill's kids resume their Euro qualification campaign tonight in Vilnius against Lithuania knowing a win would propel them back into qualification contention.

Scotland's attack will be led by Hornby, who sealed a £1.75 move to Reims from Everton this summer, after a successful loan spell at Belgian side Kortrijk.

Hornby made his debut in Ligue 1 last weekend and became the first Scottish player to clinch a permanent move to a top French club since current Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes played for Toulouse in 2000, although Steven Fletcher did have a loan spell at Marseille four years ago.

And the 20-year-old is keen to make a big impact in France.

He said: "The chance of playing in a competition like Ligue 1 was why I was really keen because I knew how good the league was and how high the calibre of teams were and that was one of the main things that drew me.

"Reims told me that they thought I was the first Scottish player for years to play in Ligue 1, so that's an achievement for me.

"I knew that being in a different country wasn't really a problem for me in terms of homesickness. I knew I could do it.

"I was aware there was interest from Reims for quite a while and once the season ended it was done quite quickly and I was delighted that it went ahead. It was something I was really excited about.

"Reims came to watch quite a few of my games in Belgium. They saw what I could do and my loan move to Kortrijk opened up a lot more opportunities for me and it got me a move to France.

"The standard in France is very high indeed as you would expect. There's a lot of physicality in Ligue 1 and there are many really athletic players. The technical standard is excellent too.

"I made my debut last week when I came on against Lille, who are a top team. And hopefully, I can kick on and get some more minutes.

"Last season Reims got into the Europa League and finished sixth and this season our aim is to do even better."

And Hornby is eager to take up his next challenge...to learn the language and establish a rapport with manager David Guion.

He explained: "At the moment, it's slightly difficult because of the language barrier because I don't speak French yet and the manager doesn't speak English. But I have been getting regular French lessons and the relationship will start to build.

"I have settled in really quickly. The lads have been welcoming and we have a really young squad which is good for me."