Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna was handed a rare start for Scotland last night and he didn’t disappoint. The 25-year-old scored his first international goal as Steve Clarke’s team defeated Armenia 2-0.
Despite some strong club form, it’s not always been sweetness and light for McKenna on Scotland duty. Clarke often prefers other options, even if that means operating with square pegs in round holes at centre-back.
Last night he was given an opportunity and boy did he take it. His goal put the seal on the victory and lifted the spirits in the Scotland camp after they missed out on a place at the World Cup last week.
McKenna featured in every league game for Forest during 2021/22. He was part of a stunning defensive unit and he will be a strong contender to win the club’s Player of the Year accolade for his efforts.
The warrior of a defender came in for some praise from the national media north of the border last night. Both the Daily Record and The Scotsman did player ratings columns where McKenna’s performance was scrutinised.
The Daily Record said: “Nottingham Forest ace kept it simple on his side and was powerful in the box to head the second. Denied a second by VAR and did his jobs solidly and well.”
Equally, The Scotsman gave praise too, claiming: “Scored a close-ranger header and had a second ruled out. Never tested defensively. An excellent evening.”
Both publications gave the defender a solid 8/10 and he will hope to force his way into Clarke’s plans on a regular basis by playing regular Premier League football.
McKenna starts for Scotland and he deserves a run of games
Manchester United man Scott McTominay is wasted at central defence and it’s criminal that he plays at centre-back ahead of McKenna.
Grant Hanley typically gets a start too. He suffered relegation with Norwich last season and on current form, McKenna would be right to feel aggrieved.
The uncompromising defender is a humble character. He will never kick up a stink about not playing but deep down he will fancy his chances of impressing if he gets more starts.
McKenna is worshipped by the Forest faithful. Now, the challenge for the defender is to win over some of the Scotland fan base who still aren’t convinced of his quality.
Armenia didn’t exactly provide stern opposition last night. With a run of games against better opposition, however, McKenna could soon get the same love from his compatriots as he does from the Forest faithful.
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