Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes insists model professional Andy Considine has more than earned his late Scotland call-up.
The Dons defender has been called into the Scotland squad for the Nations League games against Slovakia and the Czech Republic at Hampden.
Defender Considine, 33, who has played more than 500 games for the Dons, and Hibs’ Paul McGinn have been brought in to bolster the Dark Blues ranks after the dramatic Euro play-off semi-final win over Israel on Thursday.
McInnes is in no doubt the Dons stalwart will rise to the occasion if selected for the games.
He said: “Andy has been brilliant for me in the seven years I’ve been at Pittodrie, he’s a model professional and exactly the type of character you want in your squad.
“He’s played to a high level for Aberdeen over the years and you’ve seen in the European games here how good he’s been.
“He was excellent for us against Sporting Lisbon a few weeks back and he has plenty of big game experience.
“So if he gets a game over the next week or so he will take to international football no problems at all.
“Andy has often said how much he would love to pick up a Scotland cap even at this stage of his career – so hopefully that becomes a reality for him.”
Veteran Considine had been expected to get his first ever call-up before the Hampden clash with Israel was postponed in March. The coronavirus pandemic cruelly appeared to have put paid to his chances of pulling on the Scots jersey.
Ahead of the victory of Thursday’s win, Scotland lost former Dons centre-half Scott McKenna, Liam Palmer and Oliver Burke to injury, as well as Stuart Armstrong, Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie due to the former’s positive test for Covid-19.
McInnes knows how much Considine has yearned for the chance to represent his country and and believeshis call-up will not come as a surprise to Dons fans who have watched him throughout his time at Pittodrie.
The Dons boss said: “I’m absolutely delighted for Andy because I know how much this will mean to him.
“I spoke to Steve on Thursday and he was keen to bring Andy into the squad.
“It’s a reward for his consistency and perseverance over the years. It’s well deserved and recognition of how well he’s been performing.”
On Thursday, it was revealed Aberdeen midfielder Ross McCrorie is also expected to join the Scotland squad.
McCrorie – who played last night for the Under-21s – has made a huge impact since joining the Dons from Rangers and his displays are set to be rewarded by his first senior call-up.