Dad will be proud if I land Scot cap
Aberdeen defender Angus MacDonald admits he would love to gatecrash the
Scotland squad.
The Pittodrie stopper was born in England but qualifies for Steve Clarke’s side through his grandfather Jimmy who hailed from Inverness.
MacDonald only moved to the Dons in the
January window after leaving Swindon Town.
But he has been outstanding for Barry Robson’s side in their charge up the league table to third spot.
MacDonald was an England Under-19 youth international as a kid at Reading.
But he claims that a few years ago he was sounded out about playing for Scotland while Alex McLeish was in charge of the national team.
And MacDonald says it’s now an ambition of his to force his way into Clarke’s squad.
The 30-year-old, who previously had spells at Barnsley, Hull City and Rotherham United, said: “At the lower-age groups, obviously England pipped Scotland at that stage of my career.
“But three or four years ago, I did have some interest from the Scottish national side.
“That would be a goal of mine now and it would be some achievement.
“My dad Robert and his side of the family would be so proud and I would be too. I just have to keep playing well on the pitch and hopefully it happens one day.
“Before, all the interest from Scotland was dealt with by agents.
“Unfortunately, I was hit with bowel cancer and that put a stop to it at the time. But I have a couple of years left!
“My grandad was from Inverness. He was a Royal Marine and I always remember him having a strong Scottish accent.”
He was club captain, with 18 months leleft on his contract and a wealth of exexperience that could have helped their ppromotion push.
But all of that counted for nothing as the English League Two side told him he was free to go.
The 30-year- old was worried that it might be the start of a downward spiral for his career.
But instead, it might just prove to be the best thing that has ever happened to him.
MacDonald took a gamble by signing a six-month deal with Aberdeen.
Now he’s a stalwart of a team that has been transformed since Barry Robson took over as gaffer.
The centre-back has extended his stay for two years, is dreaming of Europa League football – and is now talking about a potential Scotland cap.
If that happens, the decision-makers at Swindon might have a few serious questions to answer.
MacDonald has been a revelation at Pittodrie as Robson’s men have charged up to third spot in the Premiership table.
He’s loving life in the Granite City and he hopes a few individuals at the County Ground are regretting how they treated him.
MacDonald now believes he’s with the biggest club he has ever played for in his career.
Ahead of today’s clash with Rangers at Ibrox, he said: “I could say a lot about what happened at Swindon.
“But they wanted a few older bodies out the door to bring through the new generation.
“That doesn’t always work if you don’t have a mix of experience and younger lads.
“From where they were when a few of us left, to where they’ve finished the season (mid-table), you can see that.
“I was really enjoying my time there. They have a great fanbase and I can’t fault the club.
“But some things behind the scenes helped twist my arm.
“I still had a year-and-a-half left there so it was a big risk for me to leave.
“I had to back myself but luckily it paid off.
“I hope the people at Swindon are maybe looking at me now and thinking they made a mistake.
“The way it ended there wasn’t how I’d imagined or hoped it would end.
“But I think it was a mistake on their part. That’s not me being big-headed.
“We made a difference in helping the young lads on the pitch.
“I still keep an eye out for their results, I still follow them.
“They’ve gone 1- 0 up in games and lost it in the last 10 minutes.
“That’s where experience can probably help. I wish them all the best.
“But Aberdeen are one of the biggest clubs I’ve played for with their history, fanbase – and in terms of what the club can achieve.
“That’s exciting for me. I didn’t expect to get this opportunity at this stage of my career.
“When I dropped down to Swindon at 30, I didn’t think I’d ever get the chance to build myself back up again.”
MacDonald is used to rejuvenating