Ali McCann would relish the opportunity to play a role in steering Northern Ireland to next summer’s Euros.
But the St Johnstone midfielder admits it’s a huge thrill just being part of Ian Baraclough’s squad for Thursday’s crucial play-off final clash with Slovakia before Nations League ties loom with Austria and Romania.
The Perth midfielder, who was called-up from the U21s earlier this term for a must-win game with Bosnia, retained his place in a 26-man squad for this week’s head-to-head at Windsor Park.
And the 21-year-old Edinburgh-born playmaker, who was overlooked by Scotland at under age level, is relishing the prospect of hooking-up again with mentors like Rangers midfielder Steven Davis and Leicester City defender Jonny Evans.
“It was great getting my first call-up,” said McCann, who sparkled again in Saints’ 1-0 Friday night win over Kilmarnock.
“There are loads of big names in the team and all the lads were brilliant with me.
“It was a great experience to be in and around it.
“We have a massive game on Thursday now and if we win that we qualify for the Euros next summer.
“I feel honoured just to be involved in such a high-pressure big game. I’m buzzing to go.
“It works hand in hand with playing for St Johnstone.
“If I play well here hopefully the Northern Ireland manager will be watching and I keep getting called up.
“That would be brilliant for me. That’s the aim really.”
McCann has already been pinpointed by former Saints and Northern Ireland star Danny Griffin as a potential successor to Davis.
But right now he is keen to look, listen and learn.
“People like Steven have had great careers, playing down in England and in the Premier League,” he said.
“He has 120-odd caps for Northern Ireland and just watching him day to day he is such a good professional.
“You don’t have a career like he has had without being a good pro and being at it every day.
“If I can take anything from player like him it can only help me in my career.
“All the older lads show an interest and try to keep young players like me right.
“They helped me settle in and I felt part of it whenever I got there.”
McCann, who misses Betfred Cup ties with Dundee United and Peterhead, admits Scottish top-flight stars including Aberdeen attacker and one-time Perth team-mate Matty Kennedy rolled out the welcome mat when he was called up last month for the Bosnia clash.
“There’s loads of players in the squad from around the SPL that you play against.”
Further down the line, McCann would love to be joined by younger brother and Dunfermline attacker Lewis in the full international squad.
He said: “My brother and I were together in the U21s last year so there is a bit of competition there.
“I’m sure he is delighted for me.”
McCann knows he has a fight on his hands for a starting jersey, with Craig Bryson staking a claim with impressive input against Dundee United, Hamilton and Brechin City.
The former Derby County and Aberdeen player is set to step in for tomorrow’s Tayside derby tie with Dundee United and the weekend trip to Peterhead.
“Bryso has been brilliant since he has come in,” said McCann.
“I was just lucky to get back into the team against Kilmarnock.
“But it’s not really about me. I was just glad we got the win and managed to get over the line.”
