McKenna confidence boosted after breakout season
The defender believes he now has the confidence to lead others
Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna believes he's now at the stage where he can look to guide team-mates through games - rather than seeking the help from others.
The 21-year-old's sensational breakthrough campaign was summed up when he was named on the shortlist for the PFA Scotland young player of the year award.
Twelve months after struggling to get a game on loan at relegation-bound Ayr, McKenna is now an Aberdeen regular and a Scotland international.
And the central defender is taking on more and more responsibility on the pitch.
McKenna captained the Dons in the absence of the suspended Graeme Shinnie for Aberdeen's William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Motherwell.
Despite a difficult day for the team, McKenna showed his leadership skills as others around him struggled to cope with Motherwell's approach.
"When I first went into the team at the start of the season, I was kind of looking about to others to maybe help me through the game,'' he said.
"Whereas now, it's probably the opposite way about. I am more than confident of my own ability and I will try and help others through the game.
"It's important we all do that for each other to try and finish second in the league.''
Player of the year candidate Kris Boyd spoke in glowing terms of McKenna at the announcement of the shortlist, praising his combative approach and his refusal to respect reputations.
McKenna said: "When you first break into the team and see the players you are up against, you think 'Should I really be on the same pitch as them'?
"But after a few games that all goes out the window and I thought: 'I have done well so far, I am more than capable of matching you. So I'm going to try to mark you out the game or be better than you'.''
McKenna is vying for the award with Celtic's Kieran Tierney, Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos and St Mirren winger Lewis Morgan