Aaron all in for making Euro squad
AARON HICKEY refuses to give up on his bid to make Euro 2024.
The Brentford defender has been out of action since October after sustaining a hamstring injury.
Bees boss Thomas Frank has admitted Hickey may not feature again for his club this season as he continues to battle back.
But former Scotland star Steven Pressley says the 21-year-old is giving his all to be available for national coach Steve Clarke.
Brentford’s Head of Individual Development has talked with the right-back about his chances of making Germany.
Pressley has urged Hickey to throw everything at his efforts in rehab as he might never get another opportunity to be involved at a major tournament.
He said: “I actually had a coffee in the canteen with him so we were chatting about it. He said to me that he was going to give this a real go.
“My advice to him was that, from my own experience, when you are a young player you always think these opportunities will come around again and again.
“I was a young player who won the Scottish Cup at 18 and I don’t think I won the next until I was 32.
“My point being to Aaron is that the landscape changes.
“Just now I look at Scotland and think we’re going to qualify for a number of tournaments coming up but that might not be the case.
“This might be your only chance to play at a major tournament so, if you have a chance, you’ve got to take it. I got the impression from speaking to him, even though he might not make it, he’s going to give this a real go.
“I think he understands. Who wouldn’t want to be involved in the opening game of a tournament against the host nation? Wow.
“He’s not out on the grass training. He has not been involved just yet.”