Keep calm & Kari on
ENGLAND v SCOTLAND Scott: Arnie can help us sink England
KARI ARNASON’S influence is already rubbing off on Scott McKenna at Aberdeen. And the Dons youngster now hopes to emulate the Icelander by helping Scotland Under-21s achieve a shock victory over England. McKenna has been given a chance recently by Pittodrie gaffer Derek McInnes and has excelled beside Arnason at the heart of defence. And he’s constantly reminded of how the experienced centre-back played his part in Iceland’s stunning Euro 2016 win over the English. McKenna faces a similar task tonight as Scot Gemmill’s U-21s take on the Auld Enemy in Middlesbrough. The Scots go into the Euro 2019 qualifier as huge underdogs but as the Aberdeen kid is well aware that didn’t stop Arnason and Co in France last summer. McKenna said: “Kari has been excellent with me – even just in training when both of us weren’t playing for the first team. “We’d be in the same side and he was always telling me what he wanted me to do. He’s pushed me to make me a better player. “Having him beside me for my first start against Motherwell was great because he was a calming influence. I like to go and win things, clear the ball – and he just strolls about! “He has mentioned the England result to me just the five times or so. He told me how up for it the Iceland players wereandhowwell they worked as a team. “They weren’t the best players in the world but they were a close-knit group who worked for each other and got a great result at the Euros. We can use that as inspiration going into this U-21 game against the English.
“It’s similar to our last game against Holland. We all worked hard for each other and stuck together to get a win.”
McKenna is expected to start alongside Hearts centre-back John Souttar against England at the Riverside tonight as Gemmill’s boys look to build on the win over the Dutch.
A positive result would cap a terrific spell for the 20-year-old who has had to bide his time for a chance at Dons.
And while he has learned to take nothing for granted he’s determined to take full advantage.
He said: “It’s been a great few weeks since the Holland game.
“I’ve managed to get two first-team games with Aberdeen so I’m full of confidence going into the England tie.
“It’s been frustrating at times waiting for a chance. But Aberdeen have done well and had a pretty consistent back four.
“Now I’ve been given a shot it’s up to me to grab it. For my first start at Motherwell the manager didn’t name the team until late on. It was just pure excitement. There were no nerves, I just wanted to show what I could do.
“I did what I was in there to do and we got a good win.
“It’s important I keep it going now and don’t think I’ve made it. I’ve only played two games. I’ve lots to prove.”
Scotland U-21 gaffer Gemmill knows how tough it will be against group favourites England who look set to field a star-studded frontline including Tammy Abraham, Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
But Gemmill said: “Our players are all playing at a good level and they’ll not be intimidated by anyone.
“They know if we get our performance right we can get a result.”