I’m ready to hit the net for Scots, says Cummings

HIBERNIAN striker Jason Cummings insists he can be the answer to Scotland’s attacking woes after declaring that he is ready to make the step up to the full international stage.

Now regarded as being too old for the nation’s Under-21 team, having been a regular at that level, Cummings’ scoring exploits have made him one of the hottest properties north of the border.

In notching his 20th goal of the season with a stunning winning goal in last Friday’s victory at Dundee United, Cummings matched legendary Hibs marksman Joe Baker’s record of netting 20 or more goals in three straight campaigns.

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has deemed that second-tier football should not impede John McGinn’s path to the squad, having included Cummings’ team-mate for the forthcoming matches against Canada and Slovenia, and the Hibs forward is now also eager for a slice of the action.

‘I’ve thought about the Scotland thing and I would say I’m ready for it,’ said Cummings, who has been named Ladbrokes Championship Player of the Month for February.

‘I’ve done my time with the 21s and I got a lot of experience there. I think I’m just ready whenever.

‘The strikers are very decent. I’m not at all complaining or feeling disappointed that I’m not in the squad because I’m not expecting that.

‘But, for the future, I think I’ve definitely got a chance.’

Cummings, who has now netted a total of 68 times for Hibs, having scored 25 goals last term, added: ‘This is the best ratio I’ve had goals to games, I think. I’m scoring a goal about every 100 minutes.

‘Twenty-five is my best for a campaign, although there was a period of games earlier this season where I did not start for six games in a row.

‘There are eight league games left and I want to try to beat my personal record.’