Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes says there would be no one happier than him if Adam Rooney turns his Euro 2016 dream into a reality.
The Irishman is yet to be capped by his country but has been included in recent provisional squads by Martin O’Neill.
Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Jonathan Walters and Daryl Murphy have been the preferred attacking options used by the Ireland manager during the qualifying campaign but Rooney has forced his way into consideration with his impressive goalscoring return for the Dons.
With Aberdeen set to face another early start to next season’s campaign in the Europa League, McInnes could be forgiven for preferring Rooney to be resting up over the summer period. But the Aberdeen manager says he would love to see his top scorer in action at France instead.
He said: “I would much prefer my players to be involved, especially in a European championship finals.
“Whether or not he makes the squad will be up to Martin O’Neill.
“I know the qualities of Adam Rooney. Everyone at Aberdeen knows what he can do.
“I certainly think it is something for Adam to be working towards. I am sure if he keeps scoring goals he will be under consideration. Players are often rewarded on the back of having good domestic seasons for their clubs.”
Rooney will make his 100th appearance for the Dons against St Johnstone on Saturday.
The 27-year-old has netted 56 times in his opening 99 games for Aberdeen since arriving from Oldham in January 2014.
The Irishman has been in magnificent form this season, hitting the back of the net 19 times in 26 league appearances – already one better than last year’s total.
McInnes believes the prospect of being involved in this summer’s European championship finals can help spur the Irishman on as he bids to hit the 20-goal mark against St Johnstone this weekend.
He added: “I’m sure Adam will just be concentrating on having as good a season as possible with the club.
“If he keeps contributing as he has done then you never know what can happen.
“Adam’s focus is on Aberdeen first and foremost and continuing to score goals. He will have his own targets of what he wants to do on the goalscoring front.
“I’m sure he will be doing all he can to meet those targets from now until the end of the season.”
Goalkeeper Adam Collin, who joined Aberdeen on loan from Rotherham United in January, kept a clean sheet as the Aberdeen under-20 side defeated Hamilton Accies 1-0 at Brechin City’s Glebe Park yesterday.
Michael Rose headed home the game’s only goal after six minutes.