Shinnie is worth spot in squad for Euros, says Roo
MANAGER IMPRESSED WITH MIDFIELDER’S RAMS FORM
WAYNE Rooney says Derby County midfielder Graeme Shinnie is playing well enough to make Scotland’s squad for the European Championship finals.
Scotland beat Serbia in a play-off penalty shoot-out in November to book their place in this summer’s finals.
Shinnie has won six caps for his country but his last appearance was in a 3-0 defeat by Kazakhstan in March 2019, when he played at leftback.
The 29-year-old is currently in fine form for Derby.
He has started 20 of the Rams’ 25 Championship fixtures this season, including nine of the last 10, and Rooney is delighted with the player’s contribution.
“Graeme Shinnie – he is absolutely fantastic, the improvement in him is massive,” said Rooney.
“He is showing real quality, real leadership. I think sometimes he doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He has been brilliant for us, immense.
“When I first joined the club, I felt he was a player who had great energy, could run, get around the pitch, but certainly over the last six weeks he has surprised me with his quality on the ball.
“I think Scotland have a player there who they would be lucky to have in their squad for the European Championships, if he keeps playing the way he is.”
Shinnie’s international debut for Scotland was in a 2-0 defeat by Peru in May 2018.
Victory over Queens Park Rangers at the weekend saw Derby record back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
Rooney’s 12 League games in charge of the team, as interim manager and now manager, have brought five wins and four draws.
His is full of praise for the players and the leadership being shown on the pitch.
“The lads who have been playing, the lads who have been on the bench, have been great. I have seen a difference in a few players,” Rooney added.
“Colin Kazim-richards has been fantastic, a leader for us, but I have also seen a massive difference in Andre Wisdom in terms of his leadership. His performances, obviously, have been good but his leadership has been incredible.
“Jason Knight has been wearing the armband in the last three games. He is a natural leader.
“Then there is the energy that Nathan Byrne and Lee Buchanan have given us and Matt Clarke has improved massively, I feel.”