Hearts left-back Stephen Kingsley has disclosed that now his future at the club has been sorted his next aim is to earn a recall to the Scotland squad.
The player signed a new contract with the Championship leaders this week, which keeps him at Tynecastle until 2022.
Played for national team in 2016
Kingsley has played for Scotland only once before, all the way back in 2016. With Euro 2020 on the horizon the player has ambitions to return to the national squad.
Stephen Kingsley in action for Scotland against France (Photo by Craig Williamson – SNS GroupSNS Group via Getty Images)
For that to happen, he will need to impress Steve Clarke with his performances for Hearts.
“I’ve been in squads before and made one appearance. That was obviously a very proud moment for me and my family” he said (The Scotsman).
“I feel if I work as hard as I can and improve as much as I can in club football then that will take care of itself. If I can impress here and do my thing, then that will hopefully lead to a call-up” Kingsley continued.
Scotland back in action in March
Scotland is due to play again in March when the World Cup qualifiers are set to begin. That gives Kingsley plenty of time to turn in performances that will impress Steve Clarke.
Stephen Kingsley in action for Hearts (Photo by Euan Cherry/SNS Group via Getty Images)
It won’t be easy for Kingsley to break into the squad, as left-back is an area where Scotland is well-covered. The duo of Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney can play there. However, that does not mean Kingsley should give up on his hopes to play for Scotland again.
Indeed, Robbie Neilson might be pleased with Kingsley’s comments. If Kingsley’s performances are so good he returns to the Scotland squad that can only be a good thing for Hearts.