Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna has been named in the Scotland squad for Euro 2020 by boss Steve Clarke.
Last night his hopes of actually starting for the Tartan Army might have enhanced after a crucial player picked up an injury.
Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay will require a scan on his ankle after a 1-1 draw for the Red Devils against Fulham.
The 24-year-old hobbled off as United dropped points on home soil and Clarke faces an anxious wait over his his fitness.
If he doesn’t make it, McKenna could see a window of opportunity present itself this summer.
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McKenna has been forced to settle for a place on the bench during recent call-ups for international duty.
That has largely been down the fact that the boss has preferred to play McTominay in an unnatural position at the heart of his defence.
In eight of the last ten Scotland fixtures, the United star has played centre-back, leaving McKenna on the fringes.
The Forest star has 19 caps to his name and as a left-sided option it’s no surprise to see him make the squad.
A sound first season in English football saw him star and Forest coach Steven Reid will have surely been in Clarke’s ear ahead of the squad selection.
McKenna signed from Aberdeen and has been extremely impressive. The £3 million fee which could rise to £6 million already looks like good business.
The 24-year-old quietly goes about his business and he’d dearly love to play a starring role at the Euros.
Scotland have qualified for a major tournament for the first time since 1998. They are in a group with England, Croatia and the Czech Republic.
Does McKenna deserve a Scotland berth?
Forest fans will be biased but anyone who gets in ahead of McKenna has enjoyed a fantastic season.
The Reds enforcer has barely put a foot wrong all season and is viewed by many as one of the club’s best signings for years.
McKenna is brilliant in the air, strong in the tackle and his Adonis-like physique makes him an intimidating presence in the back four.
It will make supporters proud to see a Forest representative at an international tournament.
If McTominay’s injury is enough to keep him out of action, Reds supporters might just get the chance to see McKenna starting at Euro 2020.