Fresh from a surprise transfer deadline day switch to Rangers from Aberdeen, Richard Foster says he has his sights on pulling on a dark blue jersey at international level. But the loan signing says he is focused on securing a starting berth in light blue before allowing his thoughts to turn towards representing his country.
Foster, who was a regular at under-21 level for Scotland earlier in his career, secured a last minute move to Ibrox on Tuesday, with striker Andrius Velicka heading the other way. The 25-year-old now has a season to prove he can make the step up, competing for a regular spot at full-back.
If he can dislodge the current first picks in Walter Smith’s team, Foster would likely come into contention to receive full international recognition and the player admits it is an ambition he holds.
“That is in the back of my mind," Foster said when asked about a possible international call-up. “I realise, if I get into the team and I cement a place and I'm playing every week for Rangers, then I feel that the national manager will maybe come and have a look.
“It's not one of my goals to start with. I need to break into the team to begin with but, if I do that, I can maybe think of other things.”
Foster will be part of Rangers boss Smith’s squad for his last season in charge, before the manager hands over the reins at Ibrox to his assistant, Ally McCoist. At that point, the defender is scheduled to return to Pittodrie, where he has time remaining on his contract with the Dons.
The loanee has time to prove his worth to the new boss though and potentially earn a permanent move to Glasgow. But Foster insists he isn’t banking on it yet and knows he has a fall-back position if his spell with the SPL champions is solely temporary.
“I'm just here to play as many games as I can, to be involved in as many squads as I can,” said Foster. “If I do well here, you never know what could happen.
“But I know at the end of the day I'm an Aberdeen player and, after my season-long loan, I could go back there if nothing else happens.”
FOSTER SWAPS DONS FOR GERS
