A big week on the pitch for Aberdeen can’t be allowed to be affected by matters off the pitch.
Scott McKenna’s transfer request and Aberdeen’s subsequent rejection threaten to overshadow the Dons’ Europa League third round game against Rijeka.
Player set to travel to Croatia
To make matters even more intriguing, McKenna is set to travel to Croatia for the match on Thursday, and presumably will play in the game.
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes will have a big job on his hands to the situation involving McKenna doesn’t affect what happens on the pitch.
Aberdeen should be confident heading into the game. They are in a good run of form. Sam Cosgrove’s early season performances have been fantastic.
Now they have this distraction of one of their most important players wanting to leave the club.
The big question that has to be asked is will McKenna play against Rijeka?
Uncertain if key man will play in game
Normally the answer would undoubtedly be yes. But perhaps the transfer request submitted by McKenna has changed things.
Therefore, Derek McInnes has a big decision to make. However, another factor could be if an English club meet Aberdeen’s asking price for McKenna.
Should that happen, McKenna will not be playing, as the English deadline is on Thursday. It looks set to be a very interesting few days for Aberdeen, both on and off the pitch.