Ukraine will help stopper McKenna raise his game

Scott McKenna was exposed to the harsh realities of international footbal l against Ukraine in midweek.

But the Scotland Under-21 defender insists it will be his club who get the benefit.

The Aberdeen centre-back was made skipper by Scot Gemmill for the 2- 0 defeat at McDiarmid Park in the absence of John Souttar. But the Scots were undone by a side boasting Champions League talent in the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk ace Viktor Kovalenko.

McKenna was gutted with the result in the context of their Euro 2019 hopes. But he’s adamant going up against that level of player will help him at Pittodrie.

Having made the breakthrough for Derek McInnes’ side this term, McKenna said: “Ukraine were a good team and it was a massive test for all of us.

“We had to concentrate at all times, knowing that if one person switched off Ukraine would capitalise and make scoring chances.

“But experiences like that will help me in the long run in terms of my career – to play against guys who have already experienced games in the Champions League.

“It’s different with the Under- 21s compared to playing in the Premiership. It’s more tactical and you work more on shape.

“Every time I’m away, no matter the result, I always learn things with Scotland.

“On Tuesday night it was the first time I’d played with Ross McCrorie at the back.

“I learned things off him and hopefully he learned bits off me – so it will make both of us better.

“It might mean that when we come away again, we get the results we wanted.

“I had captained the Under-19s before but to get the armband for the match against Ukraine was a very special moment for me and my family.”