Scotland manager Gordon Strachan says he has been a long-term admirer of Kenny McLean after handing him his first international call-up yesterday.
The 24-year-old was included in one of two separate Scotland squads for this month’s friendlies against the Czech Republic and Denmark.
But there was no room for Dons left back Graeme Shinnie, captain Ryan Jack or Mark Reynolds, who has been involved in several recent Scotland squads.
The Scots take on the Czech Republic on March 24 in Prague before hosting the Danes at Hampden five days later.
McLean, who is in the squad that will travel to Prague, was not the only new face.
Celtic’s Kieran Tierney, Hibernian midfielder John McGinn and Leeds United’s Liam Cooper were all selected for the national team for the first time.
Speaking of his decision to include Dons player McLean, Strachan said: “Kenny has been doing well for his club. I have liked him over the last couple of years. He is playing at the top of the league now and enjoying his football. He is getting stronger.
“John McGinn was another obvious choice. Unless something drastic happened, he was always going to be in.
“I watched the under-21 game against the Ukraine and I watched him train for nearly a week, so I know what type of guy I am bringing into the squad.”
When asked about his decision to leave out Shinnie, who has been a stand-out performer for the Dons this season, Strachan added: “I know what Graeme can do and I know what Mark Reynolds can do.
“I could go on a long time. I know I can trust these guys. They have been in squads but I must look to see if there is anything out there better and players understand.
“It is about what is best for the player at this time of year. There’s a group who will play one game, that’s looking after the players and making sure they get plenty of rest.
“There’s another group who are involved in two squads. They are guys who are not getting games for their clubs, so it’s beneficial for them.
“There’s another group – Jordan Rhodes, Ross McCormack, Johnny Russell and Lee Wallace – guys that I know can do a job.
“But there is no point bringing them along and depressing them by taking them all around Europe and maybe not getting a game because I want to see the other guys I have brought in.
“There could be 10 in there – I know what they can do but I need to see other people.”
Dons midfielder Craig Storie and Caley Thistle’s Liam Polworth were both included in the Scotland under-21 squad for this month’s European Championship qualifiers against France and Northern Ireland.