Corrie Ndaba insists performing well for Kilmarnock this year could see his dreams come true as he targets an international call-up.
The full-back, who celebrated his 25th birthday on Christmas Day, signed permanently from Ipswich Town in the summer after a successful loan stint and has continued to impress as Killie target a second half surge.
They kicked 2025 off in style with a 2-0 home win over St Mirren – a result that puts them just three points off fifth place as they welcome Ross County to Rubgy Park this afternoon.
Ndaba has watched fellow top flight defender Liam Scales turn out in the green and white for the Republic of Ireland and believes the Celtic man is proof that it can done while plying your trade in the Scottish Premiership.
He said: “I’ve played at younger age groups with players like Liam Scales. So it motivates me as well, seeing him playing, getting called up.
“That would be a dream for me because he came from really struggling to get a game just about anywhere.
“In football, you know, things change really quickly. You can go from not doing well to being in the spotlight. You’ve just got to keep working, grinding it out and doing well.
“Hopefully, I can just keep putting in performances and get that recognition. I’m just trying to improve every day.
“I really like playing under the manager. I respect him a lot and he’s helping me improve. He’s putting the trust in me to play and I’ll learn with each game.”
After an inconsistent start to the campaign last term, Killie charged up the table to seal a Europa League berth and fourth place finish. As they target a fourth successive home win, Ndaba reckons there’s no reason there can’t be a repeat performance this time around as well.
He said: “I think everyone says it but it is true – we’re a squad that’s really together. We’re a tight-knit group and everyone motivates everyone. It’s a good place to be around.
“It’s early days but I think a new year, that’s motivation again. Hopefully we can do the same as last year and even better. That’s the motivation for me and what I’m targeting.
“We did well last season and that motivated us to do it again this season. I think we’re good enough to do it so hopefully we can keep pushing and climbing up the table.”
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