THE Aberdeen striker Lawrence Shankland has been upstaged by Adam Rooney all season, but he's finally got one over his team-mate after announcing his arrival on the international scene by netting a double.
Danny Lennon's young Scots secured an impressive victory in Hungary after Shankland scored twice in the last five minutes in Tatabanya to seal a 2-1 vicotry.
It was an impressive debut for the 19-year-old, who came on as a second-half substitute.
He has been prolific goalscorer in the Development League and has been used by Derek McInnes as an impact replacement for the Pittodrie side, however forcing his way into the starting line-up has been much more problematic such has been Rooney's free-scoring form.
Where Shankland has got one up on Rooney is in the international arena. The former was snubbed again by the Republic of Ireland, giving Shankland the opportunity to upstage his team-mate . . . for once.
Shankland said: "I've been coming off the bench a lot with Aberdeen, but I can't really argue with that because Adam Rooney has been banging in all the goals.
"He's doing his job and I've got no complaints at not starting when he's doing that. I've just got to keep working away and when I get on the pitch just try as hard as I can.
"He's a good player. I have learned a lot from him. His movement in the box is really good and he always seems to be in the area and on the ball when the chances drop to him. It's great to be able to learn from him.
"I've scored 25 goals in the Development League this season and I think he's on 25 goals in the league as well.
"Whatever I do on a Tuesday he goes out at the weekend and does better. That's what he tells me," joked Shankland.
After a season in which Aberdeen have challenged at the top of the table, he refuses to accept the club's slim title hopes are over, despite Celtic moving five points clear last weekend after a disappointing result for Shankland, Rooney et al.
He said: "Everyone was disappointed we dropped points at Dundee, I'm not going to lie. Their keeper was on form. So we have to keep winning and try and secure second place as quick as we can."
"It's never done until its impossible. We just need to keep going out and do what we do and go out and pick up points. We'll have to see where it takes us.
"I've worked hard and I have learned a lot from the coaches and the experienced players at Aberdeen. I'm enjoying it."
His two goals might go a long way to securing Lennon the Under 21 job permanently, with new SFA performance director Brian McClair due to make a decision soon.
Shankland admits he would be delighted if the the former St Mirren manager gets the job.
He said: "He's been really good and I've enjoyed working with him. His training has been great and it's been good for me because it's a new personality for me to work with.
"He's the first person I've experienced at this level so it would be great if he got the job permanently. I'd like him to get it."
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