WEDNESDAY night was a huge moment in Aaron Hickey’s career.
His first start for Scotland at the tender age of 19.
The former Hearts youngster was given the nod by Steve Clarke to play Ukraine at Hampden in the World Cup play-off semi-final.
Unfortunately, the result did not go the way of the country, as the visitors ran out comfortable 3-1 winners to set up a winner-takes-all showdown against Wales tonight.
The disappointment was clear to see in Hickey’s face. His tone was certainly that of someone who was suffering from the pain which the defeat brought on the nation.
While the gutting nature of the loss clearly upset the talented full-back though, the Bologna defender admits it was a really proud moment to start in such an important match.
He said: “It was an amazing experience personally for myself. But I’m obviously gutted about the way it went.
“I was focussed on trying to do my best for myself and of course the team. Unfortunately, it didn’t go our way.
“I got a text before I came to the camp that there might be a chance that I’d be playing.
“So, I went into training thinking that, hopefully if I do well here, the manager might give me a chance. I’m happy to have got that.
“I was delighted that the manager (Clarke) gave me the opportunity tonight to go on and help the team.”
Hickey was selected to play right-back in the game. While the teen has played there previously, he does usually ply his trade on the opposite flank.
To play there for Scotland, he faces stiff competition from Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney and then Greg Taylor.
While preferring to play left-back, Hickey says he will play wherever he is required to for his country.
He added: “I can play on my right foot but I prefer playing left-back. I’ll do anything to get into the team, though. If the manager wants to put me at right-back, I’m happy with that.
“Obviously there’s two top class left-backs in the squad, so it’ll be difficult. I don’t know what will happen in the future but I can play right-back as well so I’ll happily play both.
“I played right-back against Juventus and we drew 1-1. I’ve played there a good few times for Bologna.
“I had my first start today, so hopefully I can get many more. In the next game we just have to keep our heads up and do our best. Hopefully in the future we can improve.
“We have a young team. I think it’s going to be exciting to see what happens. Hopefully we can get to know each other even more when it comes to the international breaks, then we can do our best in the future.”
Speculation surrounding his future has grown considerably over the past few months, with the youngster enjoying a successful season in Serie A with Bologna.
He refused to be drawn on what will come next for him though, instead pointing to the aspects of his game which have improved during his time in Italy.
He said: “Things are going well in Bologna. We’ve had a good season out there.
“Since I went to Italy I feel like I’ve added different parts to my game defensively.
“It’s been a top experience for me to go to a different country, see a different culture and play a different way of football.
“They spend a lot of time in training. Basically every day we’re working tactically, where we should be, our body shapes, things like that. We talk about it lots and walk through it all in training. It’s a bit of everything. Even watching videos.
“The manager and coaching staff at Bologna have really helped me.”
