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.