New faces challenged to set sights on 50 caps

SCOTLAND: Mackay urges players to grab chance

Scotland interim boss Malky Mackay has urged the new players in his squad to go on and hit a half-century for their country.

Mackay, whose permanent job is as the SFA’s performance director, has assumed caretaker control of the national team following the departure of Gordon Strachan after the failure to reach next summer’s World Cup.

He took the opportunity to bring some fresh faces into the group for Thursday’s friendly against the Netherlands at Pittodrie.

The eight players hoping to win their first cap against Holland are Dons duo Graeme Shinnie and Ryan Christie, Nottingham Forest’s Jason Cummings, Rangers’ Ryan Jack, Paul Hanlon of Hibs, Celtic’s Callum McGregor, Millwall keeper Jordan Archer and Liam Cooper of Leeds.

Mackay, speaking at the team’s media base at Dalmahoy yesterday, called on those who do see action in Aberdeen to grab the chance to establish themselves at international level.

“They all want to come and play for Scotland and show that passion to go and get 50 caps for their country,” said Mackay.

“That’s the challenge I give them.”

“We have a longer lead-up time going into Euro 2020 now,” added Mackay.

“There will be three or four friendlies before we play that first qualifier.

“With that being the case, it gives some of the younger players a chance to stake their claims to be Scotland players.

“I looked at the squad that was available to me. I looked at some of the players that have been doing well recently.

“There are three in from Aberdeen – Kenny McLean, Graeme Shinnie and Ryan Christie – who have all been playing well and deserve a chance.”

Scotland remain in the hunt for a new manager and Mackay, former boss of Watford, Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic, didn’t rule himself out of the running.

“This was asked the other day and the answer I gave is absolutely what any of us would give if a Scottish manager is asked to take charge of their country,” added Mackay.

“There would be very few who would say no to that.

“I have a really good and important job at the moment.

“For the next month, I’m delighted to be involved.

“I have been asked to be the interim manager so that’s as far as that goes.

“I have my day job, which is fundamentally a very important job going forward in Scotland.

“Right now it’s about preparing the group for Thursday and a lot goes into that.”

Picture: SNS Group. Jason Cummings models the new Scotland strip while honing his skills in the hope of getting the nod for his first cap for his country.

50-CAP TARGET: Continued from page 56 Malky Mackay: focused on Thursday’s game.