Deal Can Drive My Cap Dream

Feb 3 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

MOTHERWELL ace Ross McCormack believes he can take the Premiership by storm and force his way into George Burley's Scotland set-up.

The young Fir Park striker looks destined to join either Wigan or Middlesbrough in the summer after both clubs offered him a deal.

Few Scots at age 20 have enjoyed success in England during the last decade but McCormack is adamant if he does head south he won't be going simply as a squad player.

Ross was tipped for an international call-up when Alex McLeish was in charge of the national side after his sparkling form at Fir Park.

But a cap never materialised and Ross is hoping Burley will give him a chance in dark blue if he proves he can cope with the Premiership.

He said: "People have said to me I could get a Scotland call-up before the season's out but I don't expect one yet.

"They've also said if I go to England and don't play I'll never get capped.

"But my attitude isn't like that. If I go to the Premiership I plan to force my way into the first team and play. Hopefully a Scotland call will follow.

"I don't want to sound big-headed about it - that's just the belief I have in my ability. If I get a good pre-season under my belt I think I can play at that level.

"It's going to be hard but with my motivation and desire to succeed I know I can do it down there."

McCormack has a massive decision to make before the end of the season - whether to sign a Bosman deal with Wigan or Middlesbrough, stay at Fir Park to continue his development or wait until June for a better offer from an even bigger club.

Hearts are also interested but McCormack has already dismissed a move to Tynecastle.

He said: "Hearts have put an offer on the table but in my head I've ruled that out, I don't want to go there.

"I think the way Motherwell are going just now under the gaffer they could soon overtake Hearts in terms of their overall position in the SPL."

Rumours circulated last month that old club Rangers were looking into the possibility of re-signing the Scotland Under-21 hitman and Celtic are also keen.

Despite being released from Ibrox two years ago Ross insists he would like to return one day to show the Gers fans what he's capable of.

He said: "I've thought about what it would be like to go back to Rangers but I don't know if they would be interested in.

"If they offered me something I'd obviously consider it.

"I'd love to return there one day and show some of the fans who thought I wasn't good enough that I am."