Caley Thistle manager John Hughes has challenged defender Graeme Shinnie to force his way into the Scotland squad.
Shinnie has long been tipped for a place in Gordon Strachan’s squad but has again been overlooked for the double-header against Ireland and England next week.
However, Hughes insists he is not concerned by the 23-year-old’s lack of international recognition, and believes a call-up is will come should he maintain his consistency.
Hughes said: “As long as he’s doing the business for Inverness that’s all he can do – just concentrate on that. He’s a lovely lad and it would be a hard squad to get into as they’re going great guns.
“I’m a great supporter of what Gordon Strachan is doing with the national team and I’m very patriotic. I love it because I feel we’re always underdogs as a national team. I love a fight and proving people wrong and I’m very supportive of the job Gordon’s done.
“Graeme will just need to keep showing the form he has been because he’s been great. Even last week, when we asked him to do a different job and go toe-to-toe with Scott Brown, he was up for it. He knew his legs and his fitness levels wouldn’t let him down in the last 20 minutes when we were coming strong.
“He just needs to keep plugging away and I’m sure with the way he conducts himself, trains and plays, fingers crossed the door might open for him.”
However, Hughes is delighted for Billy Mckay, who was called up for Northern Ireland, and Ryan Christie, who was selected for the Scotland under-21 squad.
The Caley Jags manager believes Inverness-born Christie, in particular, can act as an inspiration to local youngsters.
Hughes added: “It’s not just great for these guys, it’s great for the club. For Ryan Christie to be called up to the international squad, a home-grown boy in the under-21s, any young boys need to look at that and it gives them a good look at the standard they need to get to.
“It’s a great inspiration for anyone round about Inverness.”
Hughes is hopeful of a good turnout for tomorrow’s Premiership game against Hamilton, with under 16-year-olds being being allowed into Caledonian Stadium free.
He added: “I’ve never seen the likes of it before, for everyone under 16 to get in free. Hopefully, it will be a bumper crowd. I hope we can send them away happy and encourage another couple of hundred to keep coming along.”