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Gordon Strachan has named his 27-player squad for the final two UEFA European Championship Qualifiers against Poland and Gibraltar next week and Aberdeen’s Graeme Shinnie was deservedly included for his outstanding form this season.

Graeme, who made two appearances for the Scotland U21 side back in 2012 against Belgium and Italy, told RedInsider:

“The squad news came out on Tuesday but I had a little heads up from the manager before then. I am absolutely delighted I have got the call up. I can’t wait to meet up with the squad and I am thoroughly looking forward to the experience and the new challenge.

“Any recognition at international level is very good for the club.

“My call up is an acknowledgment of how well the team are doing as well as myself. There could easily have been two or three other players also called up. Maybe I am the lucky one but if we keep up our form in the league I am sure other boys will get called up as well in the future.

“My time at Aberdeen so far has been very enjoyable. It has been very easy to settle in. Everyone at the club has made me feel very welcome. It was also easy for me because I knew quite a number of the boys in the dressing room. So settling into the team was fine and as the European games came along think and fast I got involved with action straight away which also helped me as well as the other new boys, Danny and Paul.
“It has been a good start to my Aberdeen career and long may it continue.

“Before I think about meeting up with Scotland we have a big game on Saturday afternoon against St Johnstone. On the back of two disappointing results it is important we get back to winning ways. The last two games have not been like us. St Johnstone is a game though that gives us the chance to turn things around and gives us the chance to go into the international break on a positive note.”

Also speaking exclusively to RedInsider, Manager Derek McInnes said “It was great news that Graeme Shinnie has been called up to the full Scotland squad for the first time and everyone at the club is delighted for him. He’s shown a real level of performance in one or two different positions and that’s part of the attraction for Gordon, as it was for me. The challenge now for Graeme is to become a mainstay of that squad. Hopefully we can get a few more of the lads included going forward.”

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