JON MCLAUGHLIN is determined to earn more minutes at club level this term to ensure he is part of a historic summer for his country at the end of the campaign.

The keeper returned to the starting line-up as Rangers ran out 4-0 winners over Falkirk in the Betfred Cup on Sunday evening.

There will be further chances for McLaughlin to impress in the coming months as boss Steven Gerrard switches between him and Allan McGregor during a campaign that sees Rangers compete on four fronts.

The 33-year-old was part of the Scotland squad during the last international break as Steve Clarke’s side reached the European Championships with victory over Serbia.

And he is eager to make the most of his outings for the Gers to ensure he is part of the national setup when Clarke names his group next summer.

McLaughlin said: “For everyone it was great to get out and get a difficult fixture out the way and get into the next round of the cup.

“It can always be tricky but we made changes and it’s good for people to get those minutes in a positive performance.

“Of course I want to be playing as regularly as possible. Any opportunity you get you want to take it.

“You want to make sure you’re performing for your club and being a vital part of what we’re doing here.

“Hopefully over the course that continues to help you with the national team.

“It would be massive to be a part of it. For all the lads who were away that was the biggest thing – how much it meant not just to fans but also all of the players over the past 20 years who have been trying to qualify for tournaments.

“Even better that two out of the three games are going to be on home soil and the game against England is at Wembley. It’s got everything there for us and it was a very proud moment to be involved.”