Bry eyes stint in the south

Sep 14 2008 By Gavin Berry

CRAIG BRYSON revealed an unsuccessful trial at Derby County last year has fuelled his desire to play in England one day.

The youngster has been key to Kilmarnock's stunning early season success but he might not have been part of it if the Rams had taken him on 12 months ago.

Bryson's form at former club Clyde prompted ex-Pride Park boss Billy Davies to give him a chance - but it didn't work out.

Despite landing a move to the SPL the 21-year-old would still like to star south of the border.

He said: "Last January I went to Derby for a trial but it didn't work out so I returned to Clyde.

"Davies said he didn't think I was ready for their first team and didn't want me having to hang around the reserves.

"I was a bit down but it makes you more determined. Hopefully one day I will go down to England and try my luck again."

Bryson also admitted to being mystified as to why he was constantly overlooked by the Scotland Under-21s, in the week they missed out on qualification for Euro 2009.

Despite being a key part of the Killie team recently - and before that a standout at Clyde - he was behind players who didn't feature regularly for their clubs.

He is no longer eligible to play and said: "Sometimes I got a wee bit excited when the team was going to be announced because I thought I was doing quite well.

"But for the past three years I have been overlooked.

"I did get one cap, at home to Iceland under Maurice Malpas. Although I only came on for the last eight minutes it was a great feeling to represent my country.

"I honestly don't have a clue why I wasn't involved more often. You see players playing reserve games and getting picked before people who are playing first-team football so it is a mystery."