Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has backed Graeme Shinnie to bounce back from his latest Scotland setback.
The 25-year-old was overlooked by national team manager Gordon Strachan for a place in the squad for next Friday’s World Cup qualifier against England at Wembley.
With left backs Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson both ruled out of the match because of injury, Shinnie was tipped as a possible replacement.
But Strachan instead named Rangers captain Lee Wallace and Swansea defender Stephen Kingsley as his two recognised left backs for the crucial match against England.
Dons manager McInnes, whose side take on Partick Thistle at Firhill tomorrow, said: “It’s disappointing we don’t have anyone in the Scotland squad but it is what it is.
“You always look out for players being involved so I’m disappointed for Graeme Shinnie more than anything.
“But it will make him more determined to get himself into the frame for it.
“I speak to him regularly about different things so he knows this.
“Sometimes things are worth waiting for and I’m sure that will be the case for him.
“Every player can get better so he will work hard and keep doing what he is doing for us.
“He’s versatile and against certain opposition I think he’s better at left-back – and against others he’s better in the middle of the park.
“I thought that when we signed him because I’d seen him play against us in midfield and was the best player on the park.
“He is someone who can do a number of jobs, he enjoys going into different roles and I think he’s capable of doing them.
“I think he’s been very good for me, he’s been so good this season and the improvement this year has been clear.
“As his manager I am really pleased with what he’s given me and hopefully that will be recognised sometime.”
Three Aberdeen players have, however, been included in the provisional Ireland squad to take on Austria in Vienna.
Adam Rooney, Jonny Hayes and Danny Rogers, currently on loan at Falkirk, were named in Martin O’Neill’s 35-man squad.
McInnes added: “Obviously we are pleased to have Jonny Hayes, Adam Rooney and Danny Rogers in the Ireland squad.
“It’s good for them because they had a good result last time and it’s credit to them they’re involved.”