Aberdeen midfielder Peter Pawlett believes team-mate Ryan Jack is ready for Scotland selection.
Jack netted his first goal of the season in the 2-0 Scottish Premiership win at Kilmarnock last Wednesday after Pawlett had scored the opener.
Manager Derek McInnes has long championed the Aberdonian’s abilities, moving him into central midfield alongside Willo Flood after former manager Craig Brown pressed Jack into service as a right back.
The former Scotland under-21 captain was a stand-out for Aberdeen in the Europa League campaign which ended in honourable defeat to Spanish club Real Sociedad and Pawlett believes the 22-year-old, who has made more than 110 appearance for Aberdeen and has represented Scotland from under-16 to under-21 levels, will be watched closely by national team manager Gordon Strachan before the squad to face World Cup winners Germany in Dortmund on Sunday, September 7 is announced.
The Dons return to the fray on Saturday with a trip to St Johnstone and Pawlett said: “Ryan has got lots of qualities. Ever since he was a young player he has shown a maturity on the field and although he needs to add more goals to his game – he has said that himself – if he does that he has a lot to offer.
“I think he is a Scotland contender and if he carries on performing the way he has I see no reason why not.”
Increased competition for places for both country and club will challenge Jack’s hopes but Pawlett believes the need to perform consistently can only be a good thing.
He added: “There is good competition for places in the Aberdeen team. If you look back to the Kilmarnock game, Barry Robson was on the bench and did not get on and he is a quality player.
“Competition for places is keeping everyone on their toes and that quality is great to have.”