O’Donnell’s got modest ambitions
Stephen O’Donnel l admits he doesn’t feel wor t hy of be ing a Scotland player, even if he’s only 90 minutes away from helping us to a first major tournament in 23 years.
O’Donnell, on a shortterm deal at Motherwell until January, reckons he’d have to be playing for today’s opponents Celtic or a club down south to consider himself a bona fide international.
He has 14 caps after being drafted in by old Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke and is in line to start again in Belgrade.
But he said: “Do I consider mys e l f a S c o t l a nd player yet? It’s a tough question.
“I love being part of it, the dressing-room, the atmosphere, with that manager. No disrespect t o K i lma rnock or Motherwell but for me to feel like I’m a Scotland player I’d need to be playing for Celtic or for a top Championship side down south.
“When I look around at Scotland, I can be play ing nex t to a Manchester United player. Maybe I could try to be a little more confident on the pitch but I get stuck in, I shout at the boys if I think I need to – and I get shouted at plenty.
“To say: ‘I’m a Scotland player’ would be a very arrogant statement coming from me. I have 14 caps and I’ve been very for t u n a t e . I ’m a Motherwell player who wants to work hard.
“Before that I was a Kilmarnock player who worked hard.
“I suppose if I get the goal that beats Serbia and takes us to the Euros I’ll be saying I’m the best Scotland right-back in history! Danny McGrain? Who’s that?” O’Donnell’s Scotland stints have let him see the likes of Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie close up so he’s we l l aware of the t a sk Wel l face today when Celtic arrive. He said: “You see Callum’s mentality close up, he’s so focused. I think of him as the ultimate professional.
“Then you have Christie, whose quality is just exceptional.
“It’s great to play with them when we’re away but I’ll be doing my best to stop them here.”
O’Donnell will be out of contract in January but said: “I’d definitely be open to staying longer.
“I got a six-month deal which suited both parties and we’re relaxed about the situation.
“We have about 40 players here and 10 are injured. Maybe when they’re back I ’ l l get kicked out the door! ”
To say ‘I’m a Scotland player’ would be a very arrogant statement from me