GMS should get Scotland call-up, says McInnes
Derek McInnes last night backed Gary Mackay-Steven for a Scotland call-up.
The on-fire Aberdeen star bagged a brace as the Dons dumped St Mirren out of the Betfred Cup yesterday. It was yet another star showing from the wide man, who has scored four goals in five games this season. Now his manager reckons he is worthy of a nod for Scotland’s upcoming doubleheader with Belgium and Albania. Asked whether Mackay-Steven should be called up, he said: “Why not?” “He’s contributing – you want your wide players to score goals and provide assists. “He was all of that today, two goals and an assist. “I’m sure Alex (McLeish) is aware of who’s doing well, but Gary would certainly be at home in that environment. “He’s very confident at the minute.” Mackay-Steven set up Graeme Shinnie’s goal as well as hitting the net twice himself as the Dons outclassed St Mirren. McInnes reckons his recent performances signify a player in the form of his career. “I’m really pleased with Gary,” he said. “He’s got four goals already, and I think he got 10 or 11 all last year. “But Gary is a very good finisher – that’s something we identified when we brought him in. “He’s a calm finisher when he gets into good areas.” Another Dons star who looked full of confidence is Scott Wright. The youngster was magnificent in support of Stevie May on what was his first start of the campaign – and McInnes sees similarities between Wright and a former Dons cult hero. He said: “People think when you’re quick, and a ball carrier, you normally just get played as a winger, and Scott’s good out there. “But similar to when we had Peter Pawlett when we first arrived, we played him in the 10 position, and asked him to go and eliminate people from there. “Peter had an impact on our team – and I think Scott can be something similar in that role.” Meanwhile, St Mirren boss Alan Stubbs, reeling from his side’s capitulation, was unable to find many positives from his own side’s performance. “In the first half especially, you could see why Aberdeen have been the second best team in the country – we have to appreciate that,” he said. “But, for at least three of our goals, we contributed to our own downfall significantly. “It’s something that needs to be eradicated.”