As a busy week of international action wraps up that saw AFC representatives involved in games in places as familiar as Hampden and as far away as Kazakhstan, we look back on what all unfolded over the break before we get stuck back into domestic action.
Nicky Devlin, Jack MacKenzie, Kevin Nisbet – Scotland
During an international break that saw three current Dons called into Steve Clarke’s senior set up the main takeaway was a Scotland debut for Dons defender Nicky Devlin. He was introduced as an 89th-minute substitute against Portugal in front of a full house at Hampden on Tuesday night, to see out an impressive 0-0 draw against the Euro 2016 champions, with Nicky making a remarkable block at the death to keep the point intact. On Saturday Scotland slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Croatia in Zagreb, with the three AFC representatives unused substitutes on the night.
Everyone at AFC congratulates Nicky on his achievement.
Jack Milne – Scotland U21s
It was an ultimately unsuccessful time in camp for Scot Gemmill’s U21 side as they saw their hopes of qualifying for the U21 Euros fall flat on their face with a couple of disappointing results. A 2-0 defeat at the hands of Belgium at Tynecastle ensured qualification would be an uphill battle, a 3-2 loss in Kazakhstan the final nail in the coffin a few days later. Jack Milne was introduced in injury time in the defeat in Edinburgh and was an unused sub at the Ortalyq Stadion.
Alfie Bavidge – Scotland U19s
It was just a couple of friendlies with Hungary that were on the agenda for Alfie Bavidge and his Scotland U19 teammates, both played at the Deac Stadium in Debrecen. Alfie started the first match, scoring in the 9th minute. Both games ended in 2-1 victories for Scotland – The on-loan Ayr United man a substitute in the second, playing the last 15 of the contest.
Topi Keskinen – Finland
It was two games and two starts for Topi Keskinen in the Nations League with Finland, as they took on the Republic of Ireland and England. Both games took place in Helsinki, with Topi playing just over an hour against Ireland and 75 minutes against the Three Lions, where he earned impressive reviews for his performance. It was all in vain however, with his side losing 1-2 and 1-3 respectively.
Jamie McGrath – Republic of Ireland
Topi’s loss in Helsinki was Jamie’s gain as McGrath and Ireland managed to record an impressive win in Finland in the Nations League thanks to a late winner from Robbie Brady, with former Don Liam Scales also netting. Jamie started on the bench but was introduced for the last 20 minutes. His side suffered defeat away to Greece on the Sunday, with Jamie an unused substitute.
Dimitar Mitov – Bulgaria
Also in Nations League action was Dimitar Mitov and his Bulgaria side, who endured a difficult time of it against Northern Ireland on Tuesday night, losing 5-0 at Windsor Park, in what was their first defeat in almost a year. On the Saturday, he managed to record a clean sheet for his country, drawing 0-0 with Luxembourg.
Slobodan Rubezic – Montenegro
It was an uneventful international break for Rubi who joined up with Montenegro for games against Turkey and Wales. Unfortunately, the Dons defender was unable to build on the six caps he had already accumulated for his country and was an unused substitute in both fixtures, both ending in 1-0 defeats.
