Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Fit-again McKenna has Euro 2021 in his sights following injury lay-off
ABERDEEN defender Scott McKenna is determined to make the most of his second chance at helping Scotland qualify for the Euro 2021 finals.
The Dons centre back was set to sit out the Uefa Nations League semi-final against Israel in March, and the final should Scotland have reached it, while his participation in the finals which were due to get under way in June was also in doubt due to a hamstring tear.
The near five-month shutdown of football in Scotland due to the coronavirus pandemic has given McKenna another shot at helping his country qualify for the finals, which has been rescheduled for next summer, and the Dons defender is eager to make the most of his opportunity.
He said: “There’s no denying I have been fortunate with the timing. I was expected to miss 15 games, including the Scotland matches, but now
I have a chance at the Scottish Cup and Scotland – although I know I will need to play well to give myself a chance.
“I need to get myself in Steve Clarke’s thoughts and that will only happen by playing well for Aberdeen.”
The break in play proved a blessing in disguise but the lengthy absence has been a frustrating one for the 23-year-old – and it has fuelled his desire to play a major role this term.
He said: “There is nothing more frustrating than injuries. Everything else you can deal with but when it comes to a Saturday and you have to watch games there is nothing worse.
“That is when you are at your lowest.
“If last season had finished, I would have been out four-and-a-half months. That is way too much time. I also missed 10 or 11 games the season before through injuries and suspension.”