Aberdeen captain Ryan Jack is frustrated he was not able to contribute more to his team’s campaign during his first season with the armband.
The 24-year-old missed three months because of ankle and thigh injuries and his spell out included the 1-0 Scottish Cup defeat by Hearts and February’s crucial 3-1 loss at Caley Thistle when the Dons could have moved level on points with leaders Celtic.
Despite his injury problems, Jack still managed 35 appearances to help Aberdeen to a second successive runners-up finish in the Scottish Premiership.
He said: “It was very frustrating for me at times because of that spell on the sidelines. When I was out injured, it was important I didn’t let it get me too down.
“Fortunately, I had good people around me when I was injured. Even coming to the stadium, I was in among the rest of the players which helped keep my spirits up.
“As a team, I felt we performed consistently well this season and deserved second place.
“If we had won a few more games things could have been different, but we are happy with how we performed.”
The injuries also dented Jack’s chances of being included in Gordon Strachan’s most recent Scotland squads but the midfielder has not given up hope of winning his first cap.
He said: “I need to make sure I am playing every week.
“All players need to be performing at a high level to even get near the Scotland squad. Everyone can see how strong the Scotland squad is at the minute.
“I need to be consistent and be playing every week get into that squad.
“I am ambitious. I have always said I want to play for my country and that is no different now.”