Jon McCracken was not able to dislodge Angus Gunn as Norwich City number one – but is looking to challenge him for Scotland.

The 24-year-old, who never made a professional appearance for the Canaries after joining from Hamilton in 2016, joined Scottish Premiership club Dundee on a two year deal following his summer release.

Wishaw-bred McCracken linked up with the ‘Dark Blues’ after two loan stints last season.

McCracken admitted his career was going nowhere behind a pack of keepers at Norwich, headed by Gunn.

“I spoke to the gaffer (Dundee boss Tony Docherty) quite a bit and it was quite clear last season at Norwich what the situation was,” he said. “I wasn’t going to play because Angus Gunn is there and he has done magnificently, in terms of Scotland.

“I am at an age where I need to play and it was getting quite frustrating being at Norwich, not really playing, doing the warm-up and I couldn’t even get on the bench sometimes.

“It was a bit of a no-brainer to come back here. That was quite a key thing, getting settled and having a good pre-season.

“That was a big factor in coming back so early.”

McCracken knows he must establish himself as the Dens Park number one to boost his international claims.

“It is quite far away for me but it is a reason why I came back up. I think it is a better opportunity to play here than down in England,” he said, interviewed by the Dundee Courier. “If you look at all the Scotland keepers, apart from Angus, they are all playing up here.

“I have seen him up close. I’ve played against a few of the goalkeepers up here, like Liam Kelly at Motherwell. I’ve played against Craig Gordon and I have seen the level. There are some massive names.

“I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a reason for coming back to Scotland to showcase my talents.

“Gunn has had a great season, done well and you know the standard required.

“(Scotland) is pretty much his jersey to lose from what I gather. Anyone coming in would have to have a great season for their club to really push him.”