GARY RUSSELL says he is aiming for a place in the Great Britain team after signing on for a third season at Braehead Clan. 

The netminder was called up to the national team last year for exhibition games against Norway, but failed to make the World Championship squad in April. 

Russell made 20 appearances for the Purple Army last season and first arrived at the club from NIHL side Solway Sharks in 2015.

The 27-year-old from Glasgow committed to the club for another campaign on Tuesday and said he is targeting more time on the ice to try and earn an international recall.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of trying to prove myself to the new coach,” Russell said.

“But more ice time again is what I’m looking for next season.

“It’s something I always wanted to do, which is play as much as I can and out of the two years I’ve been at the club, last year was the best for me.

“I would love to play for GB and it’s something I’ve never had the chance to do, but something I want to achieve.

“Putting on the GB jersey gives you a pride that goes through you and it’s something that I want to go out and do.

“I’ve learned a lot from working with Chris Holt and Michal Zajkowski in the last couple of years and I took that on to the ice. With that in mind, I’m looking forward to returning again.”

Braehead hockey and operations director Gareth Chalmers added: “Bringing Gary back was something we were very keen to do and he’s a player who works really hard for the team.

“Whenever he was needed, he delivered with good performances and as well as being a player the fans get behind, he was popular in the dressing room as well.

“Rusty’s return is one that will please a lot of people and the extra responsibility he had on the ice showed how professional he is.

“I’m glad to have him back at the club and he’s someone we enjoy working with at the Braehead Clan.”