Aberdeen midfielder Ryan Jack accepts he may have to bide his time for a first Scotland cap.
The 23-year-old was overlooked by national team manager Gordon Strachan for Friday’s friendly against Qatar and next week’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Ireland in Dublin.
Jack, who captained Scotland under-21s, received his first call-up to the senior squad two years ago for a World Cup qualifier against Croatia but was an unused substitute in a surprise 1-0 win in Zagreb.
Celtic’s Scott Brown, Stoke’s Charlie Adam, West Brom’s Darren Fletcher and Crystal Palace duo Barry Bannan and James McArthur are the central midfielders who have been selected for Scotland’s upcoming double-header.
The Dons midfielder, who signed a one-year extension at Pittodrie last month, knows competition for places is tough but remains determined to force his way into Strachan’s thoughts.
He said: “I’m not frustrated at not being included as I understand there are a lot of good players in the centre midfield area.
“I think it is just a case of playing well and hopefully I get called upon.
“I am always aiming to play for my country.
“I know there are still things I need to improve upon. I need to be playing every week for Aberdeen and doing really well to have a chance.
“If you look at the Scotland midfield, it is very strong. There is a lot of competition for places.
“I am aiming to get in the Scotland squad over the next couple of seasons.”
Jack knows he can bolster his chances of a first cap by starring for a successful Aberdeen team.
The midfielder believes the Dons have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about the 2015-16 campaign.
He added: “The squad is on a real high and the players believe in the manager and what he is doing here.
“Next season there will be a chance to do something special and do even better than we did this season.
“We will keep the core of players we had this season and add to them again.
“We should be looking to fight on all fronts.”