McKenna says Dubai is his only destination

Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna says the only place he intends to go in January is Dubai.

Aston Villa had a £6.5 million bid for the 22-year-old rejected on the final day of the transfer window in August.

Swansea City, Hull City and Celtic are among a series of clubs who have been linked with a move for the Scotland international, who is under contract until 2023.

However, the Kirriemuir-born defender is not thinking about the possibility of leaving the Dons when the transfer window reopens next month and says the only move away from Pitttodrie he is expecting to make is to go on the club’s midseason break to Dubai.

He said: “I don’t take anything to do with that side of things.

“The manager will make sure I am focused here and that is what I will concentrate on doing.

“We will get a few days off in January. We will get the feet up and then we will be off to Dubai.

“After that we will be preparing for the Scottish Cup game against Stenhousemuir when we come back. That is all I am focusing on.”

McKenna, meanwhile, has praised the contribution goalkeeper Joe Lewis has made this season for the Dons.

While Aberdeen’s attackers have received criticism for a shortage of goals this term, the club’s defence has received plenty of praise for its resolute displays.

McKenna believes a large part of defensive solidity is down to the impact of Lewis, who has kept eight clean sheets in 22 appearances this term.

The defender said: “He is absolutely massive for us. The penalty save in the Betfred Cup final against Celtic kept us in the game as if they had scored a second so early in the second half it would have left us with a mountain to climb.

“You also saw Joe’s quality in the 1-0 win at Ibrox. We were down to 10 men and he pulled off a string of brilliant saves.

“If Rangers had equalised with 11 men on the pitch then it would have been really hard but Joe kept them out and his performance gave the entire team confidence.

“He is also a top goalkeeper with a real presence.”

Scott McKenna has no intention of leaving Aberdeen just yet.