Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes Ash Taylor’s impressive form will not have gone unnoticed by Scotland manager Gordon Strachan.
The 24-year-old, who joined the Dons last summer, has signed a 12-month contract extension that will keep him at Pittodrie until 2017.
Taylor has formed a formidable partnership alongside Mark Reynolds in the heart of the Aberdeen defence and helped the club to the top of the Scottish Premiership on the back of an eight-game winning run.
Taylor, who was born in England but represented Wales at under-21 level, qualifies for Scotland through his Scottish grandfather.
When asked if Taylor could force his way into the national team, McInnes said: “That’s not my decision, but who knows? I’m sure the Scotland manager is well aware of a few players with potential at my club.
“I think there are ones who could come in and do well for the country but he has an established squad doing well at the minute.
“He has been very loyal but there are a few maybe making him think and Ash may well be one of them.
“I’m always reluctant to say too much on that as it’s not my call and I wouldn’t want anyone telling me how to manage my team. But I do think he is a player who is only going to get better and has shown a real level of consistency.”
Taylor has proved to be an able deputy for club captain Russell Anderson, who has not played for the Dons since undergoing knee surgery in August.
McInnes added: “Russell Anderson was outstanding for us last season but with his injuries it has allowed Ash to really get established.
“He has shown how good a player he is and, like any good player, he is keen to prove his worth to the manager, his team-mates and the supporters.
“Russell is having a really tough time at the minute with setbacks here and there but we feel as though he’s starting to win those battles.
“Hopefully, he is coming to the end of that but he has little setbacks along the way and hasn’t been available for a while now.
“He’s straining at the leash and doing everything he can to get back fit again and knowing his character and determination he will be back sooner rather than later.
“Russell has to concentrate on getting back on to the pitch and we are doing all we can to help him get there.”