Scotland under-21s star Tommy Conway is quietly optimistic that he can play his way into Euro 2024 contention - as he continues to remain patient in his quest for a senior cap.
The Bristol City striker was invited to join Steve Clarke's squad at their training camp last summer and he believes his form impressed the national team boss.
But despite scoring nine goals from 35 games this season, Conway didn't receive a first team call-up for the upcoming friendly double-header against The Netherlands and Northern Ireland as Clarke opted to stick with a familiar group.
That means the 21-year-old will remain part of Scot Gemmill's youth side, who take on Kazakstan in Paisley on Thurday.
Speaking ahead of the Euro 2025 qualifier, Conway admitted he's eager to step up a level and is hoping an opportunity arises over the next few months if he can continue to shine.
He said: “As a footballer, you want to play at every level possible. So I want to play as high as I can in the UK and I want to play in the Scotland first team, ultimately.
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“I don’t see why it’s not (realistic to make Euro 2024), but I do understand that Steve Clarke has a very settled squad, which I respect highly and I just have to be patient and keep doing what I’m doing at club level and, in the end, I hope that that earns me a call-up.
“I really enjoyed the camp. Steve Clarke said he was really impressed and told me, ‘Keep doing what you’re doing at club level and at under-21s and hopefully I’ll see you soon’.
“It was a good experience for me, especially training with those sorts of players as well. It just makes you want to be at that level all the time and keeps you striving to be there.
“You’ve got to live up to their level. And I like to think I did that when I was there. And hopefully there’s another opportunity there in the future.”
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