Mo Sangare insists international football can help inspire him to succeed at Livingston.
The former Newcastle United youth has penned an initial two-year deal with the Lions after departing Accrington Stanley.
The 24-year-old, who was born in Monrovia but moved to England aged 14, has seven caps for Liberia and two goals, including a stunning effort against South Africa back in March.
And the energetic midfielder admits international recognition is what makes all the domestic hard work worthwhile.
He said: “When you’re back home, there’s nowhere like home. When you’re there, you feel welcome.
“It’s a lot different to club football.
“It just shows you what you’re working for.
“For me, personally, every time I go back home, it reminds me of where I came from and what I’m working for.
“I’m excited to be at Livingston and I can’t wait for it to start and to show people what I’m capable of.”
Sangare only left Newcastle last summer after six years with the Magpies.
Having had a previous loan spell with Accrington, where he was also a youth before joining Newcastle, he made 22 appearances in League One.
He added: “The environment [at Livingston] is great to work in and if you’re trying to improve it’s a great place to come.
“My reaction when I heard Livingston were interested was, ‘okay, let’s get this sorted, I’m ready to work’.
“I’m very excited. It’s something new, a new challenge, and I’m looking forward to what it brings.”