McInnes: Eck can have pick of my players
DEREK McINNES has told Alex McLeish he’s free to call up any of his Aberdeen men for Scotland’s end-of-season jaunt to the Americas.
And the Reds boss insists several of his players deserve to be in the frame irrespective of Scott Brown’s retirement.
Scotland face Costa Rica and Hungary this month but it’s their summer friendlies against Peru and Mexico that have attracted controversy.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has already warned the SFA they risk burning players out with the jaunt while Rangers boss Graeme Murty said he wanted talks with McLeish over call-ups.
Next season’s European qualifying campaign could kick in just five-and-a-half weeks after the June 2 game in Mexico, leaving players with little time for rest.
But McInnes said: “I want the boys to be involved in the summer friendlies as it’d be a huge boost for them.
“I know how important it is for all my players to be involved if they get the chance to play for their country. It doesn’t matter whether that’s in the games in March or the end of the season as it’s an opportunity for them to catch the eye.
“I don’t know if they’ll get in because of other players being unavailable but any chance you get to perform or train in front of the Scotland manager is one you have to take. Regardless of Scott’s retirement I have players who have a strong case for being involved.
“Kenny McLean has been already, Graeme Shinnie has been in the squad and there’s no doubt they and Scott McKenna recently have played really well.
“I don’t know what Alex’s thinking but we had a chat last week about a few of my players so time will tell.”
McLeish was at Pittodrie on Sunday when the Hoops won 2-0 to see what Dons’ contenders have to offer.
McKenna and Scotland’s Under-21s face a Euro qualifier in Andorra on March 23, the same night Costa Rica visit Hampden.
Scotland meet Hungary away four nights later and McInnes believes it’s time to take a punt on McKenna, 21, at senior level.
He said: “McKenna has dealt with everything that has come his way so why not try him? He is going to be involved in the Under-21 squad trying to get them qualified and I see a lot of merit in that as well.
“But he won’t let anybody down whatever squad he’s in.”