Andy Considine says he has fulfilled a boyhood dream by marking his Scotland debut with a 1-0 Uefa Nations League victory over Slovakia at Hampden last night.
Aberdeen defender Considine, pictured right, was handed his maiden cap by manager Steve Clarke at the age of 33, having been a late addition to the squad over the weekend.
Considine put in an assured performance to help the Scots record a clean sheet, with the home side winning courtesy of Lyndon Dykes’s second-half strike.
Banchory-born Considine has made over 500 appearances for the Dons and, despite his advancing years, insists he never gave up hope of earning international recognition.
Considine said: “You always have to believe you are going to get the call one day, but getting the call the other day came completely out of the blue.
“It was a big step up. You sit and watch World Cups and Euros at home. You will see top-class players and you know you are coming up against top-class opposition.
“Back at Aberdeen, concentration has to be 100% regardless and you really need to be on your toes here, too. It was a fantastic night, the boys did really well.”
Considine could feature once again when Scotland take on Czech Republic in their third home fixture in seven days on Wednesday, and he hopes he can command a regular spot in Clarke’s side.
He added: “The main thing for me is to produce performances so the manager thinks I am worthy of staying in the squad.
“I’m delighted to be part of such a great win and to keep a clean sheet. It has been a fantastic night.”
The result made it seven matches unbeaten for Clarke’s men, carrying on their momentum after their Euro 2020 qualifying play-off semi-final win over Israel on Thursday.
