Clark Robertson has expressed his surprise at his call into the Scotland Under-21 squad for next week’s friendly with Italy.

The Aberdeen left back has been rewarded for his form for Craig Brown’s side, having been elevated to the first team after Richard Foster left in January.

Robertson, 18, was the automatic choice for the Dons’ Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Hibernian and, despite the disappointment of going out of the competition, is pleased with his rise to prominence.

"From a personal point of view the call up was good," Robertson told Aberdeen’s official website. "It has been a bit of a whirlwind few months for me.

“In December I was still playing at Balgownie for the 19s. To go from that to playing at Hampden in a Scottish Cup semi final within a few months has been quite a dramatic change in my career.

"I had no indication from anyone that I was going to be called up. It was a bit of a shock because I am still 18 and qualify to play for the Scotland Under-19s."

Robertson is one of seven uncapped players called up by Billy Stark, with Dylan McGeouch, Rhys McCabe, Islam Feruz, Lewis Toshney, Kenny McLean and Matthew Williams also in the squad.

"Dylan McGeouch and Rhys McCabe are the same age as me," Robertson added. "Islam Feruz is a bit younger still. I think we are the youngest players in the squad. I know Dylan quite well as I have played before with him in the Scotland set up.

"It is a very strong squad when you look at the names in it. Players like Danny Wilson, Scott Allan and our own Ryan Jack. I think Jordan Rhodes and Hull's Tom Cairney are not involved with the squad as they have games left in the Championship.

"Although it is only a friendly it will be a big game as it is Italy we are playing. If I get the chance it will be a good opportunity for me to go out and show what I can do."