On-loan defender Jay McEveley says he hopes to break into the Scotland squad before the end of the season. The one-time England U21 international, who qualifies for Scotland via a grandmother, decided to change his allegiance shortly before injuring a medial knee ligament at Cardiff in November.

McEveley said: "I want to use the rest of the season to get fully fit and I want to stake a claim for a place in the Scotland team.

"I had been selected for a Scotland Futures squad and was about to have my chance to make a claim for international recognition.

"The injury has put that back, but I am looking to make the grade at the top level and hopefully I will gain more Scotland call-ups once I am back to full fitness.

"Three operations before 21 are too much for anyone and hopefully my time under the knife is over."

McEveley impressed in Monday's reserve game against Watford but is not yet ready for a recall to the first team squad.

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