Gavin Molloy wants to be next Liam Scales as new Aberdeen FC signing eyes up Celtic star's path to Ireland call

Gavin Molloy wants to take the Liam Scales approach and use Aberdeen as a springboard into the Republic of Ireland squad.

The left-sided defender is one of Aberdeen’s new arrivals, when they triggered a release clause to sign him from Shelbourne last month. The 22-year-old has never played for his country but has a burning ambition and knows Aberdeen can help him achieve that goal. He points to the loan spell that Scales had at Aberdeen that got him into the Ireland squad and now he is a regular at Celtic. The Dons can also boast current Irish midfielder Jamie McGrath.

There also looks to be a new dawn across the water with Ireland set to appoint a new manager, with John O’Shea currently in charge. Molloy predicted: “Yes, I think it will improve my international chances. “Look at Liam Scales. He came over to Scotland and got his opportunity in the national team. I feel I can get there. I have confidence and trust in myself. That is the place I want to go to get into the Ireland team.

“It is great to have another Irishman here in Jamie McGrath. He came back late from his extended holiday. It is good to have Jamie here. He is a great lad and a great player.

“I have never played for Ireland at any level. I have never come close. That drives me. I just kept going about my business. Other people got called up but I never did. I just kept at it. I know where I want to go and I know I am capable. I have no bad blood, I am just continuing to work hard.”

The 22-year-old has watched as many of his peers have pulled on the green jersey and he is keen to join the likes of former Celtic favourite Adam Idah, Nathan Collins and Jason Knight.

He confirmed: “Nathan Collins, Adam Idah and Jason Knight were all in my age group. “I played