Last night, Jack MacKenzie was called up by Steve Clarke to the Scotland squad for their Nations League double header against Croatia and Portugal, completing a Dons full-back pairing for the national side with Nicky Devlin having earned his first call-up for the games too.

It means the number of Dons first-teamers on international duty in October has increased to seven.

The left-back was understandably thrilled with this international recognition.

“It is an incredible feeling. It is something you dream of as a kid. I’m just absolutely buzzing. The only downside is I was looking forward to having two weeks away from Nicky Devlin, but that is obviously not going to be the case anymore!

“I had no idea that I was even being considered for a call-up. As a team we have been doing well in the league and I have just been focussing on improving as a player.

“When I got the news, I phoned my dad first. He has been big inspiration for my football. He has always been there, so it was really nice to share the moment with him and speak to him about it. I also spoke to my mum. It’s a great moment for all the family.

“It has been a very hectic few hours so I’ve not had any time to think about the opposition we will be playing as yet. I’m just looking forward to getting away and meeting up with the squad and getting the experience.

“You look through the Scotland squad, a lot of those players are playing at the very top level in big leagues. It will be great to be in on that group. It is a brilliant feeling.”

Jack, who had been captain of the AFC Development Squad under Paul Sheerin, made his first team debut for Aberdeen against Dundee United at Tannadice in March 2021, when Paul was interim manager. Since then, the Youth Academy graduate has gone on to make 83 starts for the Dons and this season has played all 13 games and has contributed a goal and four assists. Jack also impressed on the European stage last season.

“I loved the Europa Conference League games. You definitely take confidence from playing in those, just as you do from all the big games. I am full of confidence at the moment and looking forward to the opportunity.

“It’s just about keeping on improving. I think I had a good campaign in terms of my consistency last season and the aim this year was to improve on that. I feel I am heading in the right direction, but I just need to keep doing what I am doing, and that will allow me to improve even more. Staying fit has also been a big plus me over the last year or so, and that has meant me getting a nice run of games.

“Also all the coaches here are really good and play a big part. Peter has worked a lot with me over the last 18 months and he has really helped improve my game. Christer works on the defensive side of things and Emir helps me with my attacking play, then Jimmy oversees it all. They go into a lot of detail with each player on the training pitch and in the analysis room. The coaching team the manager has put in place is excellent. I don’t think it’s an accident that we have won 13 games out of 13. It’s down to a lot of hard work.”

Finally, before we let Jack leave to meet up with Scotland, we had to ask him the burning question on everyone’s mind. That first time backheel volley to set Jamie McGrath away during the first half against Hearts on Sunday – what was he thinking?!

“That has never been me, has it?!

“The ball came out to me from Dimi, and it was at a perfect height and I thought the best way to get the ball to Jamie was to try a little back flick! It came off, which is probably just as well, as I would have got pelters from the South Stand otherwise. And rightly so!!”

Good luck to Topi, Jamie, Dimi, Nicky, Rubi, and the two Jack’s – Milne and MacKenzie who are all away on international duty.