ALI Evans believes he can boost his county dream by first starring for his country.

Pace bowler Evans is on the verge of clinching a deal with Derbyshire after impressing in their second eleven last season.

Now the 23 year-old wants to get a crucial year off to a flier by helping Scotland overcome UAE later this week.

Evans has managed just five caps since making his Scotland debut two years ago but could play a crucial role in the four-day I-Cup clash in Sharjah.

He said: “I was delighted to get picked for the squad and hopefully I can make it into the starting eleven.

“I value every opportunity to play for my country but I have been in and out a bit over the last couple of years and want to cement a place.

“My goal this year is to see if I can win a deal at Derbyshire and playing for Scotland can help me do that.

“It is definitely an important year as far as my cricket career is concerned.

“I’ve been four years at Loughborough University where I feel I improved my game a lot.

“I also gained a lot by spending last winter at the Darren Lehmann Academy in Australia but the time has come to kick on.?br>
Evans has claimed just three international scalps but was Derbyshire’s leading wicket-taker in the 2nd XI County Championship last season.

He added: “I felt it went really well at Derby last summer and in fact I was third leading wicket-taker throughout the championship.

“After the Sharjah trip I’m off to Barbados with the county and hopefully something will develop after that.

“But it’s up to me to put my hand up and that process starts with Scotland and getting wickets against UAE.

“I’ve never been to this part of the world before but would relish the chance to adapt to conditions in Sharjah.?br>
The Scots trained at the Sharjah Stadium yesterday ahead of Thursday’s opening day.

They require a victory to start climbing the eight-team I-Cup table following draws against Holland and Namibia.