RYAN Williams is hoping his move to Oxford United can propel him into the Australia squad.

Williams returned to the U’s last month, having spent the 2013/14 season on loan at United from Fulham.

He scored eight goals in 42 games during that spell, and has a single cap for his national side.

That came in a 1-0 friendly defeat to South Korea in June 2019, when the 27-year-old winger came on in the 73rd minute.

Now, he hopes a successful start to life at United may force his way back onto the international scene.

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He said: “I’ve only just missed out on the squad, so I’m doing the right things.

“One thing I could do is score more goals, that’s part of the reason why I’ve come here.

“The players that are playing behind me, I’m naturally going to score more goals and get more assists.

“The way the manager plays is going to suit me and hopefully it’ll force me into that bracket.”

Williams joined United after rejecting a new contract at Sky Bet League One rivals Portsmouth.

He played 85 matches in two seasons for Pompey, but was offered reduced terms to stay at Fratton Park.

His eight goals while on loan at United from Fulham remains his best in a campaign.

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After the coronavirus pandemic hit, Australia did not play a match until a series of FIFA World Cup qualifiers last month.

Williams cites that break in action as preventing him from being involved for his country.

“I’ll never shy away from the fact that I want to play for Australia,” he said.

“With Covid, I haven’t played for the national team for a long time.

“Hopefully success with the club and success here will lead me in that direction.”

One player who Williams will look to emulate is Blackpool midfielder Kenny Dougall, who made his international debut in a World Cup qualifier against Kuwait last month.

Dougall was a standout performer for the Seasiders as they gained promotion to the Sky Bet Championship.

The former Barnsley man scored against the U’s at the Kassam Stadium in March, and again during the play-offs.

He then scored the brace that took Blackpool up as they beat Lincoln City 2-1 in the play-off final.

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Meanwhile, one Australian who will certainly be under the spotlight this season is Ange Postecoglou.

The 55-year-old took over as Celtic manager last month, after Neil Lennon resigned in February.

Williams is backing the former Australia boss to show what he can do, having previously won league titles in Australia and Japan.

“He led Australia to win the Asian Cup so that’s been one of the biggest successes for the national team,” said Williams.

“I don’t think the big fanbase is going to phase him, because of the kind of person he is and the way he puts himself across.

“I don’t think he’ll be bothered by that, he’ll go in there, do a really good job and hopefully do Australia proud.”

Celtic are seeking to reclaim top spot in Scotland after rivals Rangers denied their bid to win a record 10th consecutive Scottish Premiership title.