Arsenal transfer target Aaron Hickey shows fans what to expect in Ukraine defeat

Arsenal fans caught their first glimpse of their prospective new signing Aaron Hickey as the Scotland defender featured against Ukraine in their 3-1 World Cup play-off defeat on Wednesday evening.

The Bologna full-back is reportedly closing in on a move to the Premier League with the Gunners leading the chase, as Mikel Arteta looks to make his first signing of the summer. Gazzetta dello Sport suggests a fee worth £21million is close to being agreed, with Hickey apparently keen to join the Gunners.

But the 19-year-old, who made his debut in March against Poland, had more important matters to attend to after being selected by Steve Clarke for the clash against Ukraine. Lining up as a right wing-back in the 3-4-1-2 formation, Hickey would be hoping to help the Scots seal their spot in the final to face Wales in Cardiff.

But playing against a Ukraine side fuelled by emotion and pride amid the ongoing Russian invasion of their nation, Scotland were unable to match their superior opponents. Andriy Yarmolenko put Ukraine in front in the first half after springing the offside trap and conjuring a fine lob over Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

Calum McGregor's strike got them back in it, but it was too little too late for Clarke's men, and Ukraine added a third late on to seal their fate thanks to

Shortly after the interval, Ukraine took a giant step towards victory. Oleksandr Karavayev's cross was met by the head of Roman Yaremchuk to double the visitors’ lead and give Scotland a real mountain to climb. And Hickey stood no real chance of getting up ahead of the towering striker as the Benfica striker expertly steered his header into the far corner.

It was a difficult test for the former Hearts trainee, who was pitted