Andrew Shinnie could be the next Luton Town player to get an international call-up, according to manager Graeme Jones, who believes the midfielder is already playing well enough to force his way into the Scotland national team.
The former Rangers and Birmingham ace, who has one Scottish cap to his name from back in 2012, has continued his impressive form from last season and he sent Luton into the international break with a stunning winner to beat Huddersfield.
While team-mates James Collins (Ireland), Luke Bolton (England Under-20s) and Simon Sluga (Croatia) all reported for duty with their countries, Shinnie could only watch as Scotland lost at home to Russia and Belgium, all but ending the Tartan Army’s hopes of reaching Euro 2020.
With Luton now plying their trade in the Championship, Jones believes the opportunities are greater for his players to impress and earn international call-ups.
“I think Andrew Shinnie has been outstanding. I’m looking at Belgium v Scotland the other night and I’m thinking Shins can give you a real level.
“Shins doesn’t need to change a thing from what he’s doing. He’s just needs to continue. I’m sure the likes of him will get that opportunity.
“Without a doubt, you’re a Championship player now. What is it, the fifth richest league in the world? Or the fifth most high profile league? Everybody is watching. If you get your act together you’ll get rewarded for it and I think there’s nothing better than representing your country.”
Izzy Brown is another candidate for national duty as he has been a feature of England youth teams at U16, U17, U19 and U20 level, until an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury meant he played no football at all for the best part of 18 months before joining Luton on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
“Izzy’s got the talent,” said Jones of the 22-year-old’s international prospects. “His progress has only been halted through injury. Deadline day was August 8th, so he’s had five weeks of not missing a training session.
“You get a guy to a level where he’s getting robust, he’s starting to reach his potential and that needs harbouring and looking after. He needs to accept that he’s part of this group, which he has done, and then his quality on top, so I’m really pleased where Izzy is as well.”
