IT is Kenny McLean’s great misfortune that the position he performs so well is the one which Scotland enjoys genuine strength.

The Aberdeen playmaker’s bad luck doesn’t end there, according to one team-mate who is ready to go all Jack Charlton in a bid to bring some international recognition to a footballer currently enjoying the best times of his career, but seemingly doesn't have the right background.

“I am trying to work him up an Irish passport to see if he can play for us,” said Johnny Hayes half in jest. The Republic’s winger wasn’t so jokey when talking up McLean, man of the match in last weekend’s win over Hearts thanks to the latest in a long line of sublime performances.

“Kenny has been the best player in the country for the last couple of months, there is no doubt about that,” said Hayes who has been pretty decent himself. “He dominates every game and sets the tone for us.

“Kenny is one of the fittest guys I have seen in my life and all he can do is keep doing what he is doing and he will get his rewards eventually.

“He has some good players in front of him in the Scotland squad and players who are doing well down in England at a good level. If he continues he will get his rewards.”

There are some North East residents who believe Gordon Strachan, despite his many years living there, has forgotten how to get there given his reluctance to choose players from the second best team in the country.

“I am sure he knows where it is. He played here,” said Rooney. “It is a tough job to be an international manager and I don’t think I would like to be one. You have to pick and choose with a lot of players without getting to see too many of them.

“I am sure he would have his reasons why the boys are not in the squad. Ryan Jack has done well also and sets the tone for us. Ryan is one of the most consistent players in the league and anyone with a football brain can tell how good a player he is and how comfortable he is.

“Gordon Strachan is a lot more qualified to manage a national team than I would be. I wouldn’t like to be telling him what to do. We’ve also played against Mark McGhee’s teams a few times and he would be able to give a bit of feedback on how we have done. They can’t be too far away, especially Kenny.”

It is hard to convince anyone, or so it can seem, that there are many good players plying their trade in the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership, especially outside of Celtic, but at least Hayes has an international manager who knows the scene.

Martin O’Neill has picked Hayes in the squad for Ireland’s vital World Cup qualifier against Wales on Friday, Aberdeen striker Adam Rooney missed the cut, and the winger has a chance of taking part.

“I don’t think the previous manager liked the Scottish league too much," said Hayes. "Martin and Roy (Keane) know the Scottish game and have been to watch matches and are in regular contact. The decision will come down to who is playing well and fair is fair. It is a great honour.

“I’ll be the first one to admit that it means more to me now. It was probably because I never felt I could achieve it if I am being honest with you. I never believed as much as the manager believed in me. Now I have my chance I love going away with Ireland. Playing with Premier League and guys who are playing in the Champions League is nice.”

Aberdeen are going along nicely. It helps that Hayes signed a new contract but what happens next will depend upon whether deals can be agreed with Jack, Niall McGinn and Ash Taylor.

“The manager never puts any pressure on you,” said Hayes. “I agreed my deal in two minutes and the lads have said they want to wait a bit longer and there is nothing wrong with that.

“There is no point in pushing players into a corner. The club has never been like that and eventually boys will sign because the clubs has been fair with them. I text Niall every day to tell him not to leave because I will have no one to go to Nandos with!”