Now’s the time for Scotland manager Gordon Strachan to call Aberdeen players into his squad according to Dons defender Andrew Considine who is keen to prove there is strength in the Premiership away from the Old Firm.
Scotland take on Canada at Easter Road on March 22 and then Slovenia in the World Cup qualifier at Hampden on March 26.
Midfielders Kenny McLean, Ryan Jack and Graeme Shinnie are among the Aberdeen players who have staked claims for a place in the squad which is expected to be named on Wednesday.
Dons assistant-manager Tony Docherty will be working with Strachan and his number two Mark McGhee and Considine believes he should not be the only representative from Pittodrie involved in the games.
He said: “I’m delighted Tony has been asked to join the Scotland set-up as he really deserves it and hopefully he’ll put in a word for the players – there have already been plenty jokes made about that.
“I have got my fingers crossed one or two will get the call. Some have been in before, Kenny McLean has a cap, Graeme Shinnie has been in and before that Ryan Jack and Peter Pawlett.
“The players have been performing very well this year so I’d like to think they’d get recognition.
“But I often think that if you’re not playing for Celtic, Rangers or down in England, players get overlooked.
“That’s a shame because there are a lot of good Scottish players out there, but just because they haven’t played in England they don’t get call.
“But Scottish football is a very good standard and if you’re not going to give chances to these players then how will you know they can’t handle it?
“When there are friendlies coming up it’s the ideal time to give them a chance.”
Considine, who is suspended for Saturday’s match against Motherwell at Pittodrie, has enjoyed another impressive season and recently entered the top-10 list for all-time appearances.
The defender, who signed a two-year contract extension last month, reckons strength in depth is bringing the best out of him.
He said: “Competition is what we want in football because it keeps people on their toes.
“If players know they’re playing every week no matter what they can take their foot off the gas and cruise through.
“Thankfully I’ve been able to hold my position and consistency has been a key factor.
“To be involved every week with the players we have here has helped my game because the quality is very high.
“I’m only 29 and still learning so I still feel I can improve my performances in this team.”
