Do Alex McLeish’s comments show why Aston Villa wanted Scott McKenna?

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Aston Villa and Hull City both tried and failed to take Scott McKenna to the Championship in January from Aberdeen.

Alex McLeish did not hold back in his praise of Scott McKenna after the centre-back marked his second Scotland appearance with a clean sheet in the 1-0 away win at Hungary on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old has been one of the breakthrough stars of the 2017/18 Premiership season at Aberdeen and started in a back three for his country alongside Charlie Mulgrew and debutant jack Hendry in McLeish’s second game since returning as manager.

Despite his lack of experience on the international front, McKenna looked far from overawed. He dealt with the physical threat of hulking Hungarian forward Adam Szalai admirably and, in truth, showed exactly why Aston Villa wanted to sign him in January.

“Scott McKenna was amazing tonight. He had a really strong game,” McLeish told BBC Scotland. “He has had two excellent games and was even better tonight.”

According to the Scottish Sun, Villa made a move for McKenna two months ago after Championship rivals Hull City saw a third bid of £700,000 rejected out of hand by Aberdeen.

And, should the Scottish starlet continue to impress between now and the end of the season, there is no reason why Villa should not renew their interest and try again to lure him from Pittodrie.

After all, Chris Samba is set to leave when his contract expires while the future of John Terry is still uncertain, meaning there could be a place open for a new centre-back at Villa Park ahead of next season.