Mackay-Steven aims to go from pulling pints in Thurso to being the toast of Tartan Army

WHEN the sparkle had gone out of Gary MackaySteven’s fledgling football career, he could be found behind a bar pouring pints for Thurso’s thirsty Tartan Army foot soldiers.

The Newmarket Bar was his place of work in the summer of 2010 as he headed home to recover from the injuries that had ensured a two-year spell at Liverpool did not work out.

Despite the odd barbed comment from drinkers asking what had happened to one of Scottish football’s hottest prospects, Mackay-Steven enjoyed the camaraderie of the pub.

Fast forward eight years and he is dreaming of graduating from serving drinks to the Tartan Army to becoming the toast of the travelling Scotland fans in Shkoder this Saturday night.

As Alex McLeish’s side prepare for a make-or-break Nations League double header against Albania and Israel, Mackay-Steven knows that people from his home town will be watching.

Some will be at the Loro Boriçi Stadium to cheer on the Scots in their Euro 2020 bid while others will be tuning in on television in the drinking hole the locals in Thurso call ‘The Newie’.

‘There are a lot of Scotland fans where I’m from in Thurso and they go to the games,’ smiled the 28-year-old.

‘So maybe there will be a few out in Albania. And quite possibly there will be a few guys going who went to the pub I once worked in — the Newmarket Bar.

‘It’s a small community, Thurso, and there are not too many pubs up there. Everyone will be looking out for the Scotland games.

‘I’ve still got family there. My dad’s still in Thurso and a lot of my friends are still there. I don’t get up all that much but I still speak a lot to people there.’

Mackay-Steven has been backed by his Aberdeen manager, Derek McInnes, to make an impact with Scotland if called upon by McLeish.

That came after the Dons winger reacted positively to a pep talk from his club boss by scoring a stunning winner against Hibernian at Pittodrie in the last match before the international break.

McInnes believes an on-form Mackay-Steven is one of the finest wide players in the Scottish Premiership and believes he is capable of shining on the international stage. The winger himself admits there is plenty of confidence currently coursing through his veins.

‘I’m feeling good, I’m scoring goals and I’m looking to impress for Scotland this week,’ he said.

‘This is a great opportunity for me and I’m really happy to be part of the squad.

‘There’s always pressure when you are away with Scotland but it’s how you deal with it.

‘I feel great at Aberdeen and I am enjoying the responsibility of being a player who creates and who scores goals, too.

‘I feel comfortable. I’m just enjoying my football right now.

‘I think playing every week is key. You build up your confidence and you get into a rhythm. And that makes you feel better about everything.’

Mackay-Steven got his career back on track after his Liverpool experience with a spell at Airdrie. But it was at Dundee United where he really made his name, showcasing a dazzling array of ball skills that proved a hit on YouTube.

That won him a move to Celtic, where he proved to be something of a hit-and-miss before moving to Pittodrie.

He believes Aberdeen boss McInnes has moulded him into a more rounded footballer.

‘Certainly, I still try things, tricks and stuff like that,’ he nodded.

‘It doesn’t always come off. But, ultimately, you want to be trying things and creating situations, so I don’t think I will ever change my game.

‘But I have added different things to my game, too, over the years.

‘At Aberdeen, there is also an emphasis on defensive stuff and working hard for the team. Derek McInnes has brought that side of it into my game and I’m thankful for that.’

Mackay-Steven is enjoying life in the Granite City and hopes to talk with McInnes soon about extending his contract, which expires in the summer.

‘It’s one of those things I’ve not really thought about,’ he insisted.

‘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’s not happened yet but I’m certain that it will happen in the future.’

One thing for sure is that Mackay-Steven and Aberdeen seem a good fit.

His impressive form in the north east this season saw him end a five-year wait to add to his maiden cap, which he earned in a 0-0 draw with the USA at Hampden in November 2013.

With 14 minutes left of last month’s 3-1 home friendly loss to Portugal at Hampden, Mackay-Steven replaced Oli McBurnie to make his second appearance for his country.

And with a host of former team-mates like Stuart Armstrong, Johnny Russell, Andrew Robertson, Kieran Tierney and James Forrest in the current Scotland dressing room, it was not difficult for him to settle back into the international scene.

‘I’m thankful to get another opportunity with Scotland,’ he said. ‘It’s an easy squad for me to come back into.

‘I’ve played alongside most of the boys and I’m good mates with many of them. Even Johnny Russell, going back to my Dundee United days.

‘It’s nice to catch up with a lot of those guys, who have gone on their own career paths. They’re all doing well and it’s good to be with them again this week.

‘I know there are really good players here with Scotland but you have got to have faith in your own ability.’