International Ambitions

The 29-year-old central defender last played for his country in October 2014, since when they have played 14 matches, and thinks the strength of the English game might help his hopes of adding to his 19 caps.

He said: “I want to play in the national team but sometimes things change – new players and new coaches who change the squad. If they come here, I will always be happy to come back. We will see how it goes.

“Our national team coach is Marian Pahars, who played for Southampton. He knows English football, how hard it is to play here.”

Riga-born Nauris’s arrival at Home Park brings to five the number of countries in which he has plied his trade. One of those is Scotland, where he came across Argyle manager Derek Adams’ radar when he won promotion with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

“One of my friends is an agent,” he said. “He was in contact with Derek and he wanted to see me here. I was happy I had this option. I wanted to come here.

“I played against Ross County, who Derek was coaching at the time. We met a couple of times. Maybe that is why I am here.

 “It’s my first time in England; I am looking forward to my stay here.

“I played in Latvia; I played in Slovakia; the best time for me was in Scotland, because we won the First Division. After, I moved back to Latvia and then I moved to Switzerland, which was also a good time for me. It was a good level, we played teams like Basel. I enjoyed that time.”

While an international recall might be an aspiration, Nauris’s priority is to help the Pilgrims build on last season’s top-five Sky Bet league Two finish.

“I will do my best in training and every game, and the coach will decide who will play, who will help the club,” he said.

“I read about last season. I hope this season, we get the club’s targets and I will do everything that the club needs to do this. I hope all players think the same.”