David Goodwillie has said his decision to head to Blackburn Rovers ahead of staying in the Scottish Premier League was an easy choice to make.

The former Dundee United striker was subject to seven failed attempts by Rangers in recent weeks, before Rovers tied up a deal to take him to Lancashire.

Goodwillie netted on his first appearance for the club in a friendly with Kilmarnock and, having settled in to his new surroundings, the 22-year-old says the opportunity to take on some of the game’s biggest clubs held far greater appeal than remaining in his homeland.

“When you come here and see the set-up at Blackburn you understand why players would turn their back on the Old Firm,” said Goodwillie. “In the end it was not that difficult a decision to make, I wanted a fresh start and I'm really looking forward to it.

“In the Scottish Premier League you are playing against teams like St Mirren every other week - to play against teams like Arsenal and Manchester United instead every week is just a different class.”

Goodwillie was an unused substitute for Scotland in their friendly win over Denmark on Wednesday night but the striker believes plying his trade in England’s top flight will put him in contention for a starting berth in the near future.

“”I think this will boost my chances of playing for the national team,” he said.

“I look at players like Charlie Adam and Steven Fletcher who have done well in the English Premier League and they inspire you because if they can do it, you can do it too.”