Ali McCann joined stars from the likes of Arsenal and Leeds United on international duty as the St Johnstone man made his Northern Ireland debut.
Ian Baraclough’s men lost 2-1 to Austria as the former Motherwell boss made plenty of changes from the Euro 2020 play-off final match against Slovakia three days previous, Leeds United man Stuart Dallas handed the captain’s armband.
That was a big decision by Baraclough but another was handing Callum Davidson’s midfielder a first senior appearance. McCann has been excellent for the Perth Saints this term.
He was brilliant once again, this time in his national team’s colours, despite the loss to Austria. McCann lasted 83 minutes as late goals from Adrian Grbic and Louis Schaub sealed home victory.
It’s a feather in the cap for St Johnstone, who have produced a young midfielder destined for a big future in the game.
It’ll be interesting to see whether Baraclough makes big decisions like handing Leeds United man Dallas the armband again or fielding St Johnstone’s McCann more regularly.