Ross McCrorie wants Aberdeen focus after Scotland snub as he's left gutted over unrewarded 'top level' displays

Ross McCrorie is disappointed not to have made the Scotland squad but has insisted he will use that as a motivation to catch Steve Clarke’s eye.

The versatile Aberdeen star has played well this season but it wasn’t enough to see him make the squad for the Euro qualifiers against Cyprus and Spain. The 24-year-old has still to win his first cap and really force his way into Clarke’s plans despite being last called up for the match against Slovakia and Czech Republic back in 2020. The Dons player has done well at right-back this season although Clarke has decided to recall Nathan Paterson after injury and Aaron Hickey.

McCrorie, when asked if he was disappointed not to make the Scotland team, answered: “Definitely, yes. Not just that, previous squads I’ve been disappointed as well. I feel I’ve been playing at a top level for a while now. It’s just up to me to keep up that consistency and wait for my chance. My full focus is on Aberdeen. I want Aberdeen to do the best we can and if I get international honours for playing well with Aberdeen that would be great. It’s an aim of mine to be called up one day and get a few caps. It’s frustrating at the time but I just need to keep playing at a high level.”

The former Scotland Under-21 cap has had no contact from Clarke or Scotland. He also dismissed the notions that his versatility and playing in the Premiership for a club outside of Celtic and Rangers were barriers.

McCrorie knows the better he and Aberdeen can do then it will strengthen his international case. That starts today as third-placed Hearts come to town, the Dons could cut the gap to four points with a win.

He confirmed: “We are down to the business end of the season now so there’s big games coming up every week.