Derek McInnes wants to keep using the prospect of international football to attract players to Aberdeen.
The Dons boss points to the example of Mikey Devlin, who McInnes believes merits his call-up to the Scotland squad, as an example of a player using the platform of playing well at Pittodrie to force their way into national team reckoning.
Devlin’s performances alongside Scott McKenna for McInnes have seen both called up for Uefa Nations League qualifiers against Albania and Israel, with the potential for a continuation of their club partnership given Charlie Mulgrew has dropped out with a rib injury.
McInnes admits he does not look at all the options available to Scotland manager Alex McLeish but the incentive of playing international football, such as the chance Devlin has, is a big part of his recruitment.
He said: “I am only looking at my own team and not at other teams. I am sure there are other options but it is the job of the national manager to pick the players he feels he needs. I am sure if any of my players are called upon they will be ready to play their part and I know they won’t let anybody down.
“It is important for us to have players in the Scotland squad. Part of the discussions you have when sign players is that you have to try and highlight the rewards of playing for Aberdeen. Hopefully, that happens by playing in a good and successful Aberdeen team and then that opens the door for international football. We can give them the platform to become Scotland players by playing well for Aberdeen.
“Mikey has been really consistent for us. He has come from a long way back, as to where he was this time last year. His work ethic and determination to force his way into the team and to get himself fit have been really commendable on his part. He is a brilliant boy with a brilliant, refreshing attitude to his work. He has been rewarded by being brought into the Scotland squad.
“I don’t think it was a surprise that he has been called up, especially after he was called up for the last squad for the Portugal game. I am not aware of all the other options available to Alex McLeish. I am sure there are good alternatives there but I am just pleased Mikey is involved.”