Graeme Shinnie refuses Scotland surrender as he hopes high-flier Aberdeen revival will return him to set-up

Aberdeen’s early season form has been nothing short of immaculate.

The Dons are unbeaten in a staggering 14 matches with victories in every single one of them under new manager Jimmy Thelin so far. The Swede has broken records and wants to continue pushing beyond expectations.

For club captain Graeme Shinnie it has been the dream start that he hopes to maintain beyond the international week.

Shinnie’s teammates have been rewarded for their incredible matchday form for their club with the likes of Kevin Nisbet being recalled to the Scotland set-up while Nicky Devlin and Jack Mackenzie have both also been included by head coach Steve Clarke.

The 33-year-old admits he’s chuffed for his pals at Pittodrie and reckons they deserve every ounce of adulation and their spot within the national squad.

However there is a slight tinge of envy from the skipper that he, too, has not been brought back into the fold as he has always considered it an “honour” to be involved in any capacity.

“I’ve turned 33 now but I would still strive for it and I would still love to be involved in it,” Shinnie said. “It’s always an honour and I have had the pleasure of doing it in the past. I would never expect it or look towards the squad but if my form was to take me in there I would be delighted.”

Graeme Shinnie hopes his Scotland career is not over

Even if he’s not been called upon himself, Shinnie has always supported from afar. “I would always go and watch the games and went to the Scotland-England game before I flew away,” he added.

“My wife had to pull me down as the atmosphere that day was mad and the game was amazing with our two free kick goals. I enjoy all that stuff and I used to enjoy going away, meeting up with the boys and travelling to different countries. Playing against different styles of football was great and I’m grateful I got to experience it.”

Devlin has been added by Clarke to help out at right-back with injury issues plaguing him since both Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson were ruled out of Euro 2024.

And Shinnie is sure his mate can plug the gap.

“There are a few leaders here this season but Nicky was there last season and you can never have too many. That’s the way we want to be and Nicky has got a good knowledge of Scottish football.

“That can help some of the foreign players adapt and ask questions about stadiums and teams or whatever. Having him there is very helpful and I would be surprised if he didn’t feature for Scotland when he’s away.

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“Obviously the right back spot has been problematic with so many players in that position out injured. There’s an opening there at the moment and I feel like Dev really does deserve a chance.

“Listen, the manager has done an unbelievable job for Scotland qualifying for two tournaments. He’s turned it around and brought belief back into the country but i just think Dev’s form for Aberdeen shows he can do a job.

“That form has been very good right from when he joined and he is a wise head to have around the squad. I’m really hoping that he can now go on to take the next step and get his first cap.”

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