ASH DEAL FUELS DREAM TO EARN SCOTLAND CALL

DEREK McINNES kept potential predators at bay yesterday when defender Ash Taylor extended his stay at Pittodrie until 2017. And, after nailing down another of his key assets following similar deals for Adam Rooney, Niall McGinn, Jonny Hayes and Andy Considine, the delighted Aberdeen boss revealed that the only manager he now wants to field calls from about his highly-rated centre-half is Gordon Strachan. Taylor (left) has one Wales Under-21 cap to his name — but is willing and able to play for Scotland courtesy of his grandfather. The 24-year-old has played a starring role in the Dons’ rise to the top of the league and McInnes is confident he wouldn’t let anyone down in a dark-blue shirt. ‘I’m sure the Scotland manager is well aware of a few players at my club,’ said McInnes. ‘Gordon has an established squad doing well at the minute and has been very loyal to his players. ‘But there are a few here maybe making him think — and Ash may well be one of them. ‘I’m always reluctant to say too much because I wouldn’t want anyone telling me how to manage my team. ‘But Ash is only going to get better. He has shown a real level of consistency this season.’ Such has been his impact that the loss of captain Russell Anderson has barely merited a mention. McInnes believes he can build a team around Taylor and stressed the importance of securing his future for the next two seasons. ‘It’s brilliant news,’ McInnes added. ‘Ash has been a very good signing and in the last two months has been as good as anything out there. ‘A few English Championship clubs were interested in him in the summer but I don’t think he was convinced he would be a regular at some of them. ‘He’s loving playing his part in a winning team and is someone we can help build the team around.’