Graeme Shinnie hopes international experience will benefit club game

Graeme Shinnie says Inverness Caledonian Thistle will benefit from his involvement with the Scotland Under-21 setup.

The young defender is back in Billy Stark’s selection for the forthcoming European Championship qualifier with Bulgaria, having made his debut in the recent friendly with Italy.

Shinnie believes the experience gained from going abroad with the national team will stand him in good stead when he returns to club business next season.

“It’s great to be called for Scotland,” Shinnie told STV. “I got my first call-up against the Netherlands and that was a great experience for me.

“This time we’re over in Bulgaria which is something new for me. I’ve never been abroad with Scotland, so it’s all good experience for me and I will enjoy it.

“Obviously you get experience from the coaches and even other players. I can take that back up here and take it into my game in the SPL.”

Shinnie, 20, has made 29 appearances for Terry Butcher’s side this season, adding to his 55 outings since making his debut against Annan Athletic in the League Cup back in August 2009.

People who read this story also read