GRAEME SHINNIE, the Inverness Caledonian Thistle full-back and captain, did not receive the call-up from Scotland manager Gordon Strachan he must privately have been hoping for for the national team's forthcoming matches against Qatar and the Republic of Ireland.

But if the 23-year-old was disappointed he did not display any outward signs of frustration at being once again overlooked by Gordon Strachan.

Shinnie, a candidate for the PFA Player of the Year award, has had an outstanding season and his unwavering level of consistency has been an integral part of the team's success in securing third place in the SPFL Premiership and reaching the Scottish Cup final.

But Shinnie put on a brave face when he showed the Scottish Cup to the pupils of the city's Hilton Primary School as part of the club's publicity drive.

"I don't know why I am not involved," he said. "But I would not say I am disappointed. You can't be when you see how strong the squad is.

"There are players who are playing in the English Premiership and Championship every week and I can only do what I can and play my football my own way.

"Hopefully one day I will make it. Meanwhile, I will keep my head down and work hard and bide my time. I will endeavour to keep my performance levels up, and the Scottish Cup wouldn't be a bad way to make up for it.

"Playing a part in Inverness getting into Europe and then lifting the cup would be the perfect end to my time here, and whatever happens with Scotland in the future we'll wait and see."

Shinnie is not short of personal awards but he says he would swap them all for a winner's medal when Caley Thistle play in their first-ever Scottish Cup final a week on Saturday, against Championship side Falkirk.

He added: "It was emotional for me on Saturday in my last game at the Caley Stadium, where the fans gave me a great reception. But the cup final is all about lifting the trophy and finishing with happy memories, so I'll be happy as long as we win."