Craig Levein backed Bologna star Aaron Hickey to go ‘from strength to strength’ on BBC Sportsound, after the Aston Villa and Liverpool transfer target made his Scotland debut.
Steve Clarke afforded the full-back his senior international bow as the Tartan Army faced Poland in a friendly on Thursday. Hickey had never previously featured in a senior squad, but came on for the final 23 minutes at Hampden Park in place of Greg Taylor on the left.
Scotland took the lead within a minute of Hickey entering the action when Kieran Tierney headed home John McGinn’s cross. But they were unable to see out the win as Krzysztof Piatek converted on 94 minutes, after ref Robert Hennessy controversially gave a penalty.
Hennessey generously pointed to the spot in stoppage-time after Piatek went down in the box without a lot of prompting. Grant Hanley made, at most, a minimal amount of contact with the striker after he rounded Craig Gordon. Ultimately denying Scotland a clean sheet.
The result ended the Tartan Army’s longest winning-run since 2007, having won their prior six games. Hickey will have taken a lot of confidence from his cameo performance, though, as the 19-year-old had no issue stepping into the senior international stage against Poland.
Levein hails Aston Villa, Liverpool target Aaron Hickey’s ‘meteoric rise’
Clarke afforded Hickey his Scotland debut against Poland as reward for the reported Aston Villa and Liverpool transfer target’s performances with Bologna so far this term. The £1.5m former Hearts defender has scored four and assisted a further goal over 27 Serie A outings.
His displays in Italy drew interest from Villa Park in January, with Il Resto Del Carlino citing a €10m (£8.5m) bid. But Bologna snubbed Aston Villa’s interest, believing Hickey can fetch €12-15m (£10-12.5m) in the summer transfer window, which may also feature Liverpool.
Per 90min, the Anfield side, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and City are scouting the Glasgow-born talent. Another six Premier League sides have also shown some degree of interest. While The Scottish Sun note AC Milan are stepping up their pursuit, too.
Clubs interested in Hickey’s transfer, like Aston Villa and Liverpool, will have taken note of the Bologna star’s Scotland bow. And former Tartan Army boss Levein expects many more.
“Hickey has had a meteoric rise,” Levein said. “Debut at 16, scored in a derby against Hibs, started a cup final. He’s got the temperament to deal with this and his career is going to go from strength to strength.”
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