Aberdeen midfielder Niall McGinn is delighted team-mate Peter Pawlett has been called up to the Scotland team for next week’s friendly against Nigeria, labelling the 23-year-old his player of the season.
Northern Ireland international McGinn reckons Pawlett has more than merited his first call-up to the senior side after a superb season at Pittodrie.
Pawlett and Dons defender Mark Reynolds were included in Gordon Strachan’s squad for this month’s friendly against Nigeria at Fulham’s Craven Cottage following the withdrawal of Wigan duo James McArthur and Gary Caldwell.
Pawlett, who was born in England, but qualifies for Scotland having been educated at Banchory, has been capped eight times for Scotland under-21s.
McGinn believes Pawlett is ready to make the step up to the full national team.
He said: “I’m delighted for Mark and Peter – their call-ups are fully deserved.
“Three or four players have had a very good season for Aberdeen and have been very consistent.
“Peter was excellent. He hit the ground running when the new manager came in and his played really well over the course of the season. He would have got my vote for Aberdeen’s player of the season.”
McGinn has praised the impact manager Derek McInnes made on his first full season at Pittodrie.
McInnes led the Pittodrie club to a first trophy in 19 years with March’s League Cup final victory against Caley Thistle as well as Europa League qualification following a third-place finish in the Scottish Premiership.
McGinn added: “He’s grabbed the bull by the horns. His training has been very good and enjoyable. He’s a positive man and the work he puts in behind the scenes is crazy.
“He’s the first one to arrive in the morning and the last one to leave in the afternoon. He works very hard and strives to make the club better. He’s been great.”