Thompson looks to climb up international ladder

Raith rovers: On-loan Kirkcaldy star hopes to emulate countryman Davis

Raith’s on-loan Rangers midfielder Jordan Thompson has set his sights on emulating the international exploits of one of his countrymen who previously plied his trade at Ibrox.

Gary Locke’s Rovers side may be gearing up for Saturday’s Irn Bru cup tie against Forfar but Thompson is absent from their Glenrothes training base as he is away with the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad preparing for two Euro qualifying games.

The 19-year-old, who scored a stunning goal for Raith last Saturday against Dundee United at Tannadice, is hoping that he will ultimately progress into the full national side and be as successful as a certain Steven Davis.

The former Rangers player, who is currently at Southampton, has amassed 81 caps for his country and was a star for Northern Ireland at the Euros.

Thompson said: “The gaffer has been winding me up saying that I have only been here a few days and I will be going away with the Under-21s.

“But it is something I am looking forward to. We play Iceland on the 2nd and then Macedonia on the 6th so it should be good.

“I watched the Euros at home. I tried to get tickets but I wasn’t sure when I had to come back for pre-season so I couldn’t go over.

“So I just had to watch them on TV. But the whole country was buzzing and there was a great atmosphere. It is something for us younger boys to aim for.

“Steven Davis obviously played at Rangers as well and I have been hearing a few stories about what he was like when he was at the club.

“So that’s the level I want to be at in the next few years.”