YOUNG McKENNA A ‘SHINING EXAMPLE’

ABERDEEN manager Derek McInnes has challenged his young players to follow Scott McKenna’s example in 2018.

The 21-year-old had to wait until September 24 for his first appearance of the season after a difficult loan spell at Ayr last term but the centre-back helped Aberdeen to a 1-0 victory at Motherwell and has since played 15 first-team games.

“I want all my young players to be the way Scott McKenna is,” McInnes said.

“Scott has waited for his chance long enough and now there is no way he is letting that jersey go.

“For me, it is not enough for the youngsters to get bits and pieces and feel part of an Aberdeen first-team squad.

“The next step for them is to grab a jersey and make sure they are not giving it up and McKenna is the shining example of that.

“He knows there are good players waiting to come in, he knows there will be a feeling among some that, as soon as he dips, it is a ready-made reason for him to come out of the team and have a rest. He has shown no hint of that at all.

“He has been absolutely fantastic and he’s the one Scott Wright, Frank Ross, Danny Harvie, Seb Ross, Dean Campbell, Connor McLennan and Bruce Anderson should all take real inspiration from, because the opportunities will be there for them and the opportunities to stay in the team will be down to how they perform when they get that chance.”