The domestic campaign pauses for a week as we enter our first international break of the year. A number of Dons are away on international duty over the next 10 days, here is who is involved with their respective national teams:
Connor Barron & Ryan Duncan – Scotland U21
Two of our Youth Academy graduates have joined up with Scot Gemmill’s U21 squad as they play two friendly matches. The young Scots are based at the La Finca Resort, the same place the Dons travelled for pre-season last summer, and will play two friendly matches against Sweden and Wales in Murcia. Connor currently has four caps for the U21 squad while Ryan is in the U21 squad for the first time.
Match Details:
23/03/2023: Sweden U21 v Scotland U21 (Friendly): Kick-off 6pm: Pinatar Arena Football Centre, Spain.
26/03/2023: Wales U21 v Scotland U21 (Friendly): Kick-off 12pm: Pinatar Arena Football Centre, Spain.
Matty Kennedy – Northern Ireland
Matty returns to the Northern Ireland squad after a couple years absence. It is the first squad that former Aberdeen midfielder Michael O’Neill has named since returning as a manager of Northern Ireland after a spell in charge of English Championship side Stoke City. Matty has won three caps for his country, the last one coming in a World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria in 2021.
Match Details:
23/03/2023: San Marino v Northern Ireland (UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier): Kick-off 7.45pm: San Marino Stadium.
26/03/2023: Northern Ireland v Finland (UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier): Kick-off 7.45pm: Windsor Park.
Bojan Miovski – North Macedonia
Our no.9 links up with his national side as they begin their Euro 2024 qualifiers with games against Malta and the Faroe Islands. Bojan has 13 caps to date for his national side, scoring once.
Match Details:
23/03/2023: North Macedonia v Malta (UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier): Kick-off 7.45pm: Philip II Arena.
27/03/2023: North Macedonia v Faroe Islands (UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier): Kick-off 5pm: Philip II Arena.
Ylber Ramadani – Albania
Ylber has been named in the Albania national side who are now managed by former Brazil, Arsenal and Manchester City defender Sylvinho, with Man City legend Pablo Zabaleta joining as assistant manager. Rama has 24 caps for his country, having scored once.
Match Details:
27/03/2023: Poland v Albania (UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier): Kick-off 7.45pm. Stadion Narodowy.
Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes – Cape Verde
After netting a double against Hearts, Duk has joined up with Cape Verde as they face a double header against Eswatini in a Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Match Details:
24/03/2023: Cape Verde v Eswatini (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier): Kick-off 4pm. Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde.
28/04/2023: Eswatini v Cape Verde (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier): Kick-off 2pm. Mbombela Stadium
Jay Gorter – Netherlands U21
Jay has joined up with the Netherlands U21 side for two friendly matches. The on loan Ajax keeper will come up against Norway and Czech Republic.
Match Details:
25/03/2023: Netherlands U21 v Norway U21 (International Friendly): Kick-off 5pm.
27/03/2023: Netherlands U21 v Czech Republic U21 (International Friendly): Kick-off 1pm.
Elsewhere, U18 captain Dylan Lobban has joined up with the Scotland U18 squad for a double header against Wales. His teammate Brendan Hamilton has been called up by the Northern Ireland U17 side for their games against The Netherlands, England and Denmark.
Good luck to all of the guys in their upcoming fixtures!
