SCOTTOKEEP DOOR OPEN FOR AARON
SCOT GEMMILL insists he’ll never close the Scotland Under-21 door on Aaron Hickey despite the Bologna star pulling out of another squad saying he needs a rest.
But the boss reminded the 19-year-old that his ambitions to become a full international are best served by joining the pathway his side provides.
Serie A star Hickey is still waiting to win his first Under-21 cap and has withdrawn from every gathering in which he has been included since his maiden call-up a year ago.
But Gemmill, preparing his side for a crucial Euro qualifying double-header against Kazakhstan and Belgium, pointed out 18 of Steve Clarke’s squad at the Euros in the summer came through the U21s.
Hickey has made 12 Serie A appearances since shoulder surgery in the summer and last week spoke of his desire to play for his country.
Asked if it would ever come to the stage where the U21 door would be closed on the left-back, Gemmill said: “Why would we do that? We have a really good young player playing at a really good level.
“Everyone is excited to see whether he can fulfil his potential.
“My job is to pick the best players. We select Aaron and then the rest is down to him. We can’t force him to come and play. It’s his decision and I completely respect it.
“I’ve not spoken to him. I pick the team and see the players when they come.
“He did an interview where he said he wants to play for Scotland.
“There’s no doubt being with us would be beneficial to Aaron’s development.
“I would much rather he was with us. It would help him enormously.
“I think 18 out of the 26 from the Euros squad played at Under-21 level. It’s a proven pathway to international football and being a top player.”
Aaron Pressley – son of former Scotland star Steven – has been handed his first call-up after hitting four goals on loan at Wimbledon from Brentford.