Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes believes that Scott McKenna has a big part to play for Scotland in the coming years.
The Dons defender is not part of Steve Clarke’s squad for the upcoming Euro qualifiers against Belgium and Russia due to injury. It’s cruel blow, as the 22-year-old was likely to start both matches.
A cruel blow. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
His boss at domestic level McInnes believes that his centre-back will have a big part to play in the future for Scotland.
He told the Evening Express: “Steve Clarke sees Scott as a key player for him. Scott is obviously disappointed that he is not going to be playing in these qualifiers as they are two great games.
“It would have been two brilliant games for him to go into. However, I think the good thing is that when Steve took the Scotland job on he played Scott in the first two games.
McInnes is gutted for his star player. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“He sees Scott as part of that (Scotland squad).”
McKenna will become a Scotland mainstay
McKenna’s injury could give Dons teammate Mikey Devlin a chance to make his Scotland debut, who has been drafted into the squad due to defensive injuries (BBC). Long-term though, McKenna will be one of Clarke’s Scotland mainstays.
There aren’t many better Scottish centre-backs than McKenna. He is good in the air and provides a commanding physical presence to the backline he plays in.
A commanding figure. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
As McInnes mentioned, Clarke clearly sees that too. He selected him for his two maiden matches against Cyprus and Belgium alongside Charlie Mulgrew, which suggested the pair are his first choice picks.
It’s a shame he is missing out on these fixtures. The chance to test himself against World Cup quarter-finalists and a world-class Belgium side would have been a good opportunity.
McKenna will have to wait for such opportunities now that he is suffering with injury. McInnes will just be hoping to get him back fit and ready to contribute at Aberdeen ASAP.