JONNY HAYES expressed his delight that his Aberdeen team-mate Adam Rooney had been recognised at international level through his call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad, but confessed that he would be unconcerned were he never to achieve such status.
The midfielder, who lost out to his countryman for the club's player of the year award, hinted that he would much rather enjoy a decent summer break rather than taking on England in a friendly on June 7 and Scotland six days later in a Euro 2016 qualifier.
Aberdeen, meanwhile, are scheduled to resume training on June 15 in preparation for their Europa League qualifying games, leaving the players with a short holiday period.
Rooney's 27-goals so far this season has not gone unnoticed by Martin O'Neill and his assistant, Roy Keane.
"Obviously, you look out for the squads every time and Adam has been scoring lots of goals since the start of the season so we thought he might have a chance," said Hayes. "You have to remember there are good, quality players who play at a higher level. But in terms of form, Adam is definitely there on merit.
"Hopefully, he can make the cut and get involved in the games. Knowing Adam he would grab a goal. Everyone knows what he brings to our team. I have lost count of how many points he has won us this season with his goals. His goals have kept us up the top end of the table and it is nice for him to be recognised.
"In Scotland you don't always get the publicity you deserve.
"In England people will be writing home about players scoring goals in League Two and League One but in my opinion Adam is playing at a higher standard. For him to go and score more than 30 goals is well deserved."
Hayes, one of Aberdeen's most consistent performers this season and looking to impose his authority against Dundee at Dens Park today, insists he has not considered the potential of competing for the Republic.
"That hasn't crossed my mind at all," he stressed. "I have got a young son and I like having the international weekends to spend time with him. It doesn't bother me whether I was called up or not. It won't affect me either way. I have seen Niall McGinn be on the go for three years non-stop. He hasn't had more than four or five days off. I have a young family and I am quite happy to spend every minute I get with them. When I first got into football the standard pre-season was six or seven weeks.
"A few years ago I had nine weeks off. I know the bonus is European football. Your body gets used to it and Niall is a fit lad. He has adapted well to not having much time off. The more we are involved at the top end of the table and getting into European football, the more we will adapt to it."
McGinn and Mark Reynolds will be rested for today's game while Kenny McLean, Willo Flood and Ryan Jack, all on five bookings, will not be risked for the remainder of the season in case they pick up another yellow card which would keep them out of the opening game on the next campaign.
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