ST JOHNSTONE midfielder Ali McCann admits it was a “surreal” experience to play against the likes of PSG superstar Marco Verratti over the international break.
McCann was in the Northern Ireland engine room for a World Cup qualifier against Italy at the tail end of last month and the McDiarmid Park youngster impressed, despite being on the end of a 2-0 defeat in Parma.
“It was quite surreal. I remember looking at their line-up and thinking ‘these are Champions League players’.” McCann recalled. “They were class, to be fair. The way they moved the ball was amazing and, as a team, they were brilliant.
“I thought we did quite well in the second half and managed to create a few chances. It just wasn't to be in the end. 2-0 away at Italy isn't too bad a result, even if we were hoping for a little more.
“I've watched the whole game back already, looking for little pointers I can take from specific players.
“After the game, I was actually a wee bit disappointed in myself. I didn't feel like it was my best game, but then I watched it back and it wasn't as bad as I thought! I'm my own worst critic.
“When you watch it back, you see that you are up against some of the best in the world and maybe I should cut myself a wee bit of slack.”
McCann hoped to trade shirts with Verratti at the full-time whistle, but after being substituted in the second-half, one of his teammates was in a prime place to pounce.
He explained: “I wouldn't say it was daunting to face him - it was just good to look at players like that and how they play. These guys are at a high level for a reason and that was a chance to see them up close.
“Verratti in particular was just brilliant, so it was a tough night. But you can only learn from that. It's the sharpness and the movement. Everything seems so effortless from them.
“Part of that is natural - they are so gifted - but there are other elements you can take inspiration from.
“I got subbed off before the end. I was too far away from all the big Italian names to get a jersey - they were snapped up quickly!
“Verratti was the one I was wanting but someone got in there before me. I didn't even catch who managed to get it - all I know is that Verratti didn't have it on after the whistle.”
McCann was also delighted for Northern Ireland teammate Steven Davis, who broke the all-time British international caps record during the international break.
The Rangers midfielder overtook former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who had accumulated 125 appearances for his country.
McCann raved: “To get his 126th cap in the Bulgaria game was incredible when you think about it - to play that many games for your country.
“And he has still been one of Rangers' best players this season. That is testament to what a good pro he is and to see him up close shows what it takes to be successful.
“He doesn't do anything in particular. It's just the way he conducts himself day-to-day, more than what he does in games. His training is always right and his attitude is bang-on, every session.
“You wouldn't realise his age, he's in such good nick. There is a load of great senior pros in that dressing room and they are all great for a young player like me.”
McCann is now fully focused on club football following his international exploits and with European football a major possibility for St Johnstone, the Perth midfielder is determined to finish above Livingston in the Scottish Premiership.
Ahead of today’s game against Aberdeen, McCann added: “It's a great chance to put pressure on Livi. If we can win and they, hopefully, don't pick up any then we are only a point behind them.
“The aim is to go as high as possible and if we can jump above Livi then that needs to be the aim. We know the quality Aberdeen have. They will be bang at it and have top players throughout their team.
“Our motivation comes from within so there will never be any complacency or allowing our standards to drop. We will attack these fixtures as we always do.
“There is less pressure on us than there normally would be. Hopefully that means we can express ourselves, try to turn these teams over and put in some good performances.”
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