It’s been a largely positive week for our international players with ten away representing their countries on the continent in competitive and friendly competition.  

Scotland Senior Squad

On what was billed as a massive double-header Alex McLeish’s side remain on course for the perfect week as they saw off Albania in Shkoder with a thumping 4-0 win. It now all comes down to the final game on Tuesday as Israel visit Hampden with Scotland requiring a win to progress to the Semi-Finals of the inaugural UEFA Nations League.

Scott McKenna played the full 90 minutes against Albania and as usual was a rock in an thoroughly professional performance from the 22 year-old. He had been expected to play alongside teammate Michael Devlin in the heart of the Scotland defence, but unfortunately Michael picked up an injury in training at the start of the week and was forced to withdraw. Dons captain Graeme Shinnie and Gary Mackay-Steven were unused substitutes, but there were plenty of Aberdeen links that played their part in the victory with AFC Academy graduate, Ryan Fraser scoring his first Scotland goal to put the team one up and he set up two more for James Forrest in the second half. Former Aberdeen loanee Ryan Christie continued his fine recent form by playing his part in three of the goals as Scotland ran out comfortable winners. Nothing but a victory will do against Israel and a similar performance would go a long way to ensuring passage into the next round.

Scotland U20s

Scot Gemmill took his U20’s side to Spain to face Turkey in a friendly where they went down 2-0. Once again, Aberdeen were well represented with Connor McLennan and Lewis Ferguson both starting, and Bruce Anderson was a second half substitute. It was a first call up for Connor and Bruce at that level, with Lewis a regular in recent U21 teams and all three will be looking to build on their excellent starts to the season with The Dons.

Scotland U19s

The Scotland U19s produced two excellent results to top their European Championship qualification group thus putting them in pole position going into the final match with Sweden this week. All matches have been taking place in Wales and Scotland were able to overcome the hosts in the first match with a 2-1 win. Next Billy Stark’s side faced minnows San Marino and they were dominant in a 5-0 win. Aberdeen’s Seb Ross grabbed the fifth in injury time and Archie Mair and Dean Campbell were second half substitutes. A point guarantees passage into the Elite round of the competition as Scotland look to qualify for next summer’s tournament in Armenia.

Northern Ireland

The Dons were also represented by Northern Ireland as Niall McGinn once again linked up with the national team. Promotion from group B of the Nations League was already beyond Michael O’Neil’s team and they took on rivals Republic of Ireland in a friendly in Dublin before the final group game against Austria. A largely uneventful match at the Aviva ended in a goalless draw with Niall an unused substitute. The winger started the match against Austria at Windsor Park on Sunday night and came closest to breaking the deadlock with a free kick. The hosts ultimately suffered a defeat thanks to a last minute winner and finish bottom of the group and are relegated to League C.

Well done to all the Aberdeen players who represented their country this week and good luck to the Scotland first team and U19s in their final qualification matches.