Scotland full-back Aaron Hickey is "progressing well" as he recovers from a long-term injury setback - and he still has his eyes on featuring for Scotland at this summer's European Championships in Germany.
The Brentford star, 21, hasn't played a competitive match since sustaining a hamstring injury during an English Premier League clash against Chelsea in October.
And Bees manager Thomas Frank recently confessed that the former Heart of Midlothian prodigy was unlikely to feature again this season, despite returning to light training.
But according to Steven Pressley, head of player development at Brentford, Hickey may yet return in time to be included in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for Euro 2024.
That would prove a timely boost, with fellow full-back Nathan Patterson hobbling off in Everton's defeat to Chelsea on Monday night. While the alternative option, Anthony Ralston, is second choice in his position at Celtic.
Commenting on Hickey's chances of making the plane to Germany, Pressley admitted: "Whether it's too quick or not, he's giving it a real go."
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To give Hickey that extra incentive to get back ASAP, Pressley warned him that major tournaments don't come around often, and he wouldn't want to live with the regret of being unable to play his part.
Although, he believes Hickey will go on to have a succesful career once he puts this latest injury setback behind him, and even tipped the 14-time capped internationalist to reach the very top.
"I had a cup of coffee in the canteen with him and he said he's going to give this a real go - he's making good progress," said the former defender.
"I said to him, 'Aaron, my advice is this; from my own career, one of the lessons I learned is that when you're a young player and opportunities like this arise, you always think there's going to be plenty more in your career'.
"Landscapes change very quickly; careers change very quickly and this might be your only opportunity to play in a major tournament'.
"Now I hope for Scotland and for Aaron Hickey it's one of many, but you just never know.
READ MORE: Brentford boss gives Aaron Hickey Scotland Euro 2024 injury update
"I really hope - with recent news about Patterson as well - it would be a big plus for Scotland if he was fit because Aaron is an outstanding player.
"He really is a player I think could go on to the next level. I think he could play at the top."
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