Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna played 45 minutes last night as Scotland lost 2-1 to Turkey in their latest international friendly.
The 26-year-old has typically found games for Scotland hard to come by. Interestingly, since Forest reached the Premier League, however, he’s been used more often.
McKenna replaced Grant Hanley at half-time of last night’s contest. He was immediately thrust into the spotlight when Turkey scored four minutes into the second period.
The Forest man saw Cengiz Under shove the ball through his legs before finishing beyond Craig Gordon. Still, it would appear that but for that blemish his overall performance was steady.
The Scottish Sun said he looked ‘solid after being nutmegged’, whilst the Daily Record said he ‘defended the box very well’ following Under’s moment of magic.
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McKenna missed his second league match in a season-and-a-half on Saturday. He was left on the bench by Steve Cooper as the Reds beat Crystal Palace; with the defender nursing a minor injury.
After losing out on a starting berth, he might be glad to have got some minutes last night. McKenna isn’t the sort that enjoys missing football matches and he will be thankful to Steve Clarke.
McKenna played 45 minutes for Scotland
The former Aberdeen man is still an integral part of the Forest team. His left-footed presence brings balance to any back-line and he will remain an important player.
Cooper used his squad well last Saturday. With McKenna not quite 100 per cent, there was no real need to risk him, with Joe Worrall and Willy Boly waiting in the wings.
McKenna will still have been disgruntled to lose his place. Following the break for the World Cup, he will hope that he can quickly regain his place in the team.
The centre-back has been a revelation since signing for Forest. He’s made 90 appearances for the Reds and was colossal last season as the Reds won promotion.
He was voted as the club’s Player of the Year for 2021/22. That was a thoroughly deserved award for a player who is worshipped by the Forest fan base.