Graeme Shinnie has admitted he is still striving for a Scotland recall and hoping Aberdeen’s continued revival can help push him back into the international frame.
His Pittodrie team mates Kevin Nisbet, Nicky Devlin and Jack MacKenzie have all been called into Steve Clarke’s squad for the upcoming Nations League game in Croatia and next week’s home game against Portugal. Shinnie would love to make it a Fab Four and is hoping his form with 100% Aberdeen can re-open the door for him too. The Dons captain has six caps but last played for his country against Kazakhstan back in 2019 and although he has been picked in squads he hasn’t played under Clarke.
Shinnie stated: “I’ve turned 33 now but I would still strive for it and I would still love to be involved in it. It’s always an honour and I have had the pleasure of doing it in the past. I would never expect it or look towards the squad but if my form was to take me in there I would be delighted.”
The gutsy midfielder has played a key role in Jimmy Thelin’s side winning all 13 of their opening games. The international break has allowed his players to recharge their batteries as they prepare for the top of the table clash at Celtic on their return.
Shinnie will keep a close eye on the international games. He has been more of a Scotland fan in recent years and that will never leave him. He said “I would always go and watch the games and went to the Scotland-England game before I flew away.
“My wife had to pull me down as the atmosphere that day was mad and the game was amazing with our two free kick goals. I enjoy all that stuff and I used to enjoy going away, meeting up with the boys and travelling to different countries. Playing against different styles of football was great and I’m grateful I got to experience it.”
Striker Nisbet’s loan move from Millwall has seen him return to the Scotland camp. Full-backs MacKenzie and Devlin are in for the first time. Shinnie isn’t surprised that the three are in the squad. Scotland have had right back issues with injuries to Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson and Shinnie reckons Devlin could solve that particular problem. He knows he has been a big influence at Aberdeen over the past season and a bit.
He predicted: “There are a few leaders here this season but Nicky was there last season and you can never have too many. That’s the way we want to be and Nicky has got a good knowledge of Scottish football.
“That can help some of the foreign players adapt and ask questions about stadiums and teams or whatever. Having him there is very helpful and I would be surprised if he didn’t feature for Scotland when he’s away.
“Obviously the right back spot has been problematic with so many players in that position out injured. There’s an opening there at the moment and I feel like Dev really does deserve a chance.
“Listen, the manager has done an unbelievable job for Scotland qualifying for two tournaments. He’s turned it around and brought belief back into the country but i just think Dev’s form for Aberdeen shows he can do a job.
“That form has been very good right from when he joined and he is a wise head to have around the squad. I’m really hoping that he can now go on to take the next step and get his first cap.”