Cup win would be perfect boost for Dons skipper

ABERDEEN: Shinnie not fazed by missing out on Scotland call

Graeme Shinnie says leading Aberdeen to William Hill Scottish Cup glory would be the perfect consolation after once again missing out on a Scotland call-up.

The Dons midfielder has inherited the captain’s armband from Rangers target Ryan Jack and will lead the side out at Hampden on Saturday.

But his hopes of featuring for the national team at the same venue on June 10 when they host England have been dashed after he was overlooked by manager Gordon Strachan.

However, the 25-year-old is refusing to allow his spirits to dip ahead of facing Celtic and believes stopping the Hoops from wrapping up their treble chase would be just the tonic he is looking for.

“I’ve had to deal with this speculation over my place in the squad a lot,” said Shinnie. “I’m kind of used to it now.

“I never expect to get the call-up. There are a lot of people in my position, including the likes of Callum McGregor. He’s had a great season again but has missed out.

“You can’t complain, though, because the people in the squad are strong and deserve to be there.

“There’s more important things, such as winning the Scottish Cup, and that would give me more enjoyment.”

Shinnie is now hoping to get his hands on the oldest trophy in world football for the second time in three years.

He skippered former club Inverness to victory over Falkirk in 2015 and is desperate to sample that winning feeling all over again.

“Lifting the cup with Inverness was one of the best achievements of my career so far,” he said.

“You can’t describe that feeling. If you could bottle it up and sell it you would make millions. It is one of the best feelings you can have. The celebrations that come with it were just brilliant.”