Kenny snub has left me baffled
Hayes can’t believe his Dons mate is not in Scots squad
JONNY HAYES is glad Martin O’Neill doesn’t need any help when it comes to pointing out Aberdeen on the map.
The in-form Dons ace got the call from the Republic of Ireland boss this week but he’s hoping Scotland manager Gordon Strachan hasn’t forgotten how to negotiate the road north.
Hayes got the reward for his stunning performances for the Pittodrie men this season when he was named in O’Neill’s squad.
But he’s surprised team-mates Kenny McLean and Ryan Jack were not called up by Scotland.
The Irish attacker understands competition is fierce in midfield for Scotland but reckons it’s only a matter of time before Strachan sends his scouts to the Granite City.
Hayes said: “I am sure he knows where it is. He played here. It is a tough job to be an international manager and I don’t think I would like to be one.
“You have to pick and choose from a lot of players without getting to see too many of them.
“I’m sure Gordon Strachan would have his reasons why the boys are not in the squad.”
McLean has a strong case though. The playmaker has been one of the star turns for Aberdeen this season as Derek McInnes’ men have stolen a lead in the race for second place in the Premiership, having already bagged a League Cup Final appearance as well as a place in the Scottish Cup semis.
Hayes is just gutted that his team-mate doesn’t have a hint of green in him. The winger said: “I am trying to get him an Irish passport so he can play for us.
“Kenny has been the best player in the country for the last couple of months, there is no doubt about that. He dominates every game and sets the tone for us.
“He is one of the fittest guys I have seen and all he can do is keep doing what he is doing then he’ll get his rewards eventually.
“He has some good players in front of him in the Scotland squad and players who are doing well in England at a good level but if he continues he’ll get his chance.”
It’s a similar tale for skipper Jack and Graeme Shinnie. The latter is up against it as he has been used more as a midfielder this term than his natural left-back role – an area that Scotland boast plenty of riches – but Hayes would love to see the Dons captain getting a nod.
He said: “Ryan has also done well and sets the tone for us. He is one of the most consistent players in the league.
“Kenny, Graeme and Ryan are there and will eventually get their chance.
“Gordon Strachan is more qualified to manage a national team than I am. I wouldn’t like to be telling him what to do. We’ve also played against Mark McGhee’s teams a few times so he would be able to give a bit of feedback in his role as Scotland No.2.”
Hayes is in the mix for Ireland after making the cut for O’Neill’s 28-man squad for the World Cup qualifier against Wales on Friday and the friendly clash with Iceland next Tuesday. Team-mate Adam Rooney didn’t make it but Hayes insists playing in Scotland doesn’t scare off his national boss – unlike former gaffer Giovanni Trapattoni.
Hayes said: “I don’t think the previous boss liked the Scottish league too much. Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane know the Scottish game and have been to watch matches and are in regular contact.
“The decision will come down to who is playing well and fair is fair. It is a great honour.
“I was the first one to admit it means more to me now. It was probably because I never felt I could achieve it if I am being honest.
“I never believed as much as the manager believed in me and playing with guys who are playing in the Premier League and Champions League is nice.
“I am in the same boat as the guys with Scotland because I know there are a lot of quality players ahead of me. Any involvement is a bonus.
“I can never take anything for granted. Going away with the Irish team is a bit of a reward for doing so well with Aberdeen.”
Kenny has been the best player in Scotland over the past couple of months JONNY HAYES