McKenna can be a force for Scots, insists Anderson
Scott McKenna moved out of his comfort zone to join FC Copenhagen and ensure not being frozen out of the Scotland set-up for the Euros this summer.
And Russell Anderson reckons the Denmarkbased defender has yet to reach his peak and should secure his place in Steve Clarke’s squad.
Now, the former Dons defender hopes McKenna will return from injury in time to feature in Germany after pulling out of this camp with an injury.
After becoming surplus to requirements with English Premier League side Nottingham Forest in December, the ex-Aberdeen rock went on loan to the Danish side.
Although the duo never became a defensive pairing at Pittodrie, Anderson knew of the up-and-coming talent who came into the Aberdeen fold after the 45-year-old retired.
Anderson said: “I’m not even sure he’s in his prime yet. His focus for now will be on FC Copenhagen and enjoying that along with playing games.
“He’s doing what everyone wants to do and that’s play football but doing it in a different environment will be good for expanding his horizons.
“Scott’s been an important part of the Scotland team and squad for a long time now. You forget how long he’s been involved – when you’ve got the carrot of being involved in a major finals coming up then everyone will be desperate to play well, stay fit between now and the season finishing to have a chance of being in the squad.
“Playing in a different country will be a fantastic experience for Scott, when you haven’t played in a foreign country your taking yourself out your comfort zone and exposing yourself to a different style of football and different culture – it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn a lot both on and off thepitch.
“It’s only for four months but it will help his Scotland chances for this summer, it allows him to be match fit for the summer, playing in the Champions League will help him for the experience, it will make him be a better player.”
Off the park, Anderson continues to make an impression in the Granite City with his charity, the Russell Anderson Foundation, continuing to help underprivileged children around the city.
“They’re making a difference to young children and their families, it’s incredibly rewarding and a lot of this work goes under the radar – the stories you hear back from teachers about the little differences you make to a child or family can be rewarding,” he said.