Scott McKenna: Aberdeen boss says defender will play Euro tie
- Published
Derek McInnes says there is "a degree of anger" at other clubs amid uncertainty over Scott McKenna's Aberdeen future.
McKenna flew to Croatia with the Pittodrie club on Wednesday two days after submitting a transfer request.
The Scotland defender, 22, has been the subject of failed bids from Queens Park Rangers and Nottingham Forest.
"Nothing has changed with Scott and unless someone tells me differently, he is playing," said the Aberdeen boss.
"I think clubs have had every opportunity to put their best foot forward over the last few weeks. Any club who is trying to do a deal today has no consideration for us and total disregard for us on the eve of such an important game.
"I spoke to Scott probably more than any other player over the last couple of weeks. He's obviously got a lot to contend with at the minute and there's a degree of sympathy from myself but I think he's an Aberdeen player. He's got to continue to act like an Aberdeen player and perform for us like an Aberdeen player until I get told differently.
"The team is picked and he's playing. It's hardly ideal preparation but it's a Europa League game, it's a very important game for us and these clubs have had the whole summer to do a deal. There's a degree of anger, frustration and contempt towards these clubs for trying to put their best foot forward now."
Despite being expected to fly out with the team, Aberdeen chief executive Duncan Fraser and director of football operations Steven Gunn failed to travel.
McInnes' side face Rijeka in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie on Thursday.
The centre-back, contracted to 2023, has played five matches this term, including Aberdeen's Scottish Premiership opener, a 3-2 home win over Hearts on Sunday.