ALBANIA v SCOTLAND.. 2 DAYS TO GO
Lila: Eagles are flying off in a new direction
star turns at Pittodrie can help add to his two caps.
The 28-year-old did his chances no harm with his cameo in last month’s friendly defeat to Portugal, coming off the bench to tee up Steven Naismith for Scotland’s late consolation in the 3-1 loss at Hampden.
The pint-sized Highlander has had to wait for his chance despite looking the part in spells at United and Celtic.
It’s at Aberdeen he has found his feet though, playing every week as a key man for Reds gaffer Derek McInnes.
Mackay-Steven said: “I’m feeling good, scoring goals. So it’s obviously a great opportunity for me coming here.
“I’m really happy to be part of the squad. There’s always pressure but it’s how you deal with it and take it in.
“I feel great at Aberdeen and enjoy the responsibility of being a player to create and score.
“I feel comfortable and I’m just enjoying my football.
“I’m looking to impress for Scotland this week.
“Playing every week is key, you build confidence and get into a rhythm. You feel better with everything.
“There are really good players here – but you need to have faith in your own ability. I’m thankful to get another opportunity.”
Mackay-Steven has gained a reputation for pulling defenders’ pants down rather than pulling pints. Back in his Tannadice days the winger had a weekly showreel of skills that left many a full-back frothing.
He has proved he’s not just a show pony though and is happy to put in a shift on the flank as well as in the boozer.
GMS said: “I think all wingers maybe at one point or another get labelled that.
“Certainly I try things, tricks and stuff like that, and it doesn’t always come off.
“But ultimately you want to be trying things, to create situations, so I don’t think I will ever change my game.
“I’ve added different things to my game over the years.
“At Aberdeen there’s also an emphasis on defensive stuff, working hard for the team. Derek BY ALAN MARSHALL ALBANIA stalwart Andi Lila admits the Eagles are a nation in transition as they prepare to welcome Scotland on Saturday.
Just two years have passed since Albania reached their first major tournament, booking a place at Euro 2016 under Italian coach Gianni De Biasi.
However, there has been a notable turnover in the squad – including the international retirement of their talisman and record cap holder Lorik Cana – while De Biasi’s former assistant Christian Panucci is now at the helm.
Albania failed to reach the 2018 World Cup, while their current Nations League campaign has been mixed, losing 2-0 at Hampden and in Israel after defeating the Israelis 1-0 at home.
And with eight players in the squad boasting fewer than 10 caps, midfielder Lila said: “We need to build for the future. The team is in the middle of a generational shift, bringing through new talent.” McInnes has brought that side into my game and I’m thankful for that.”
Mackay-Steven is a hero in the Highlands and a fans’ favourite at Pittodrie.
The Red Army will be relieved to hear the wide man is keen to sit down with his manager and talk terms over a new deal, with his contract up at the end of the season.
Mackay-Steven said: “It’s one of those things I’ve not really thought about.
“All I’m doing is thinking about the next game.
“I’m sure there will be a time when I sit down with the manager and talk.
“It hasn’t happened yet but I’m certain it will.”
The nation heads into this weekend’s crucial match against Albania with a raft of stars out and the Tartan Army are getting twitchy.
said: “Shame on the light weights and prima donnas.
“Are they upset because Gordon Strachan got the bullet? Or don’t they like Alex McLeish?
“If Scotland win their next two games we are 180 minutes from qualifying for Euro 2020. If we do qualify, these players will be embarrassed big time.”
But said: “Peter Grant should have kept his mouth shut until after the next two games.
“If we don’t get favourable results it might be him and his cronies who won’t be back again. We don’t have enough good international players to suddenly alienate the ones we do have. Maybe he should be asking why they’ve pulled out.”
said: “Grant has warned the players who are staying away but he has done them a favour. The Scotland squad is lions led by donkeys like Grant and McLeish.”
emailed: “With numerous lilylivered players having pulled out of the Scotland squad because of alleged injuries, it’s heartening to see Johnny Russell’s total commitment to the cause.
“Rather than The Proclaimers’ walk of a mere 500 miles, he’s prepared to heroically fly over 4000.”
The SFA are also in the firing line after flogging the
‘Grant has done the stay-away players a favour. The Scotland squad is lions led by donkeys like Grant and McLeish’
Scottish Cup TV rights to Premier Sports. Lewis
said: “It was already bad enough for fans to fork out money for BT Sport but now Premier Sports as well? It’s beyond a joke.”
Rangers fans reckon their side are serious about competing this season.
Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs, said: “It looks like we have a real title race on our hands.
“If Celtic and Rangers can maintain their current form until they meet at Ibrox then the Old Firm game will be a high noon shoot-out.”
had an issue with a fellow caller who claimed Celtic had “consistency in abundance”. John emailed: “Really? They have the exact same away record as Rangers and are two points ahead and all this when Rangers have an injury list as long as your arm. I’m not saying Rangers will win the league but to say Celtic have consistency in abundance is laughable.”
said: “Motherwell were rank rotten against Rangers. Their defence was non existent with not one player trying after the penalty.” Celtic are top but there’s still debate over the side.
emailed: “A Celtic fan on the said Lewis Morgan was not good enough for his club.
“Maybe if their manager played him in his best position of left wing then Celtic would see the best of him. If not, we’d gladly take him back to St Mirren.”
said: “The jury is still out on whether Odsonne Edouard is a £9million player. Brendan Rodgers needs to have a word with him as Edouard was playing hide and seek at Livingston on Sunday.” CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY FROM 11 TILL 12 NOON on: 0141 309 3306 or email us: hotline@dailyrecord.co.uk LAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON SCOTLAND... COME ON