Aberdeen midfielder Willo Flood believes team-mate Jonny Hayes can break into the Republic of Ireland squad.
Hayes provided an assist for Adam Rooney before scoring Aberdeen’s second in a 2-0 win against Dundee United on Saturday which ended a six-game winless run.
The 28-year-old Dubliner produced a man-of-the-match display and Flood, pictured, reckons Ireland manager Martin O’Neill should have Hayes under consideration.
He said: “Jonny’s been playing really well in recent weeks and he’s a top player who can make the step up to the next level.
“For me, he should probably be involved in the Ireland squad.
“Jonny is a good player and he works really hard as well so I am happy for him as he got a great goal.
“Things are going well for Martin and Ireland at the moment, but for me Jonny is a better version of (former Ipswich midfielder) Stephen Hunt.”
Flood also impressed with a typically energetic and industrious shift in the heart of the Aberdeen midfield against former side Dundee United.
The 30-year-old Dubliner reckoned his side more than merited its victory ahead of the international break. He said: “I thought we were the much better team overall and came out of the match as deserved winners. Since I have come to the club we have never been on a bad run like it so it’s good to get it out of the way now, let’s enjoy the break and hopefully we can get the three points at Hamilton.
“We started the season so well that we looked unbeatable at one stage and got a good win against Hearts at Tynecastle which is always a tough place to go.
“It didn’t help that me and Graeme Shinnie came off injured in the cup game against Hibs at Easter Road which started the slump, but hopefully we have come out the other side.”
The result leaves United three points adrift at the foot of the Premiership but Flood remains confident his former side can escape the drop zone. He added: “It’s not nice to see them there. I want to see them doing well as I still have a lot of friends at the club.
“They showed a lot of spirit. I know they have been on a bad run but I think manager Mixu Paatelainen will get them going. When it comes to January I’m sure the chairman will back him in terms of signings and they will do all right.”