This week, the SPFL Spotlight has travelled up to Aberdeen to speak to Peter Pawlett who is looking to work his way back into the Scotland squad this season.
Pawlett was involved with Gordon Strachan’s squad at the end of last season for their friendly against Nigeria at Fulham’s Craven Cottage and he is keen to get back into the Scotland coach’s plans.
The pace man at Pittodrie said: “I will be watching the Scotland game on Sunday night and wishing all the boys well. We have a Golf Day on Monday at Gleneagles so all the Aberdeen players are getting together there to watch it.”
“I am teeing off at 9.00 in the morning which will hopefully come off the back of a good Scotland performance.”
Pawlett added: “I cut short a holiday in Dubai to get involved with Scotland back in May and I was delighted to do so. I really enjoyed being involved and I learnt a lot from the players and the coaching staff.”
“Gordon Strachan would take me aside and offer me tips and encouragement which was fantastic of him. One of my ambitions this season is to get back into the squad and be involved in a competitive game.”
What’s the best goal you have ever scored?
The goal that I think was my best one came last December at McDiarmid Park against St Johnstone in a game that we won 2-0. It was a drive from about 20 yards with my left foot low into the corner.
Niall McGinn scored a good goal that day as well in the second half so it was good win.
I also enjoyed my goal in the Scottish League Cup semi-final against St Johnstone at Tynecastle but that was more about pace and getting away from people whereas my favourite goal was all about accuracy.
What’s the best game that you have played in?
The 4-0 Scottish League Cup semi-final against St Johnstone at Tynecastle in January was special as we had gone into the game with a bit of pressure on us. The club had not won a semi-final in a long time but we got off to a great start when Jonny Hayes scored early.
St Johnstone then had a spell on top but I managed to get the second goal just before half-time. We scored twice in the second half to complete a great day.
What is your favourite away ground?
I usually enjoy playing at Celtic Park. Scoring a winning goal there for Aberdeen last season in the Scottish Cup was a bit special. I made my debut at Ibrox when I was 17 so that is a favourite for that reason. I have also played at Hampden as a substitute in a Scottish Cup semi-final which is special as well.
What is your favourite other sport?
I like golf however my favourite other sport has to be fishing. When I head home after a season ends I spend a fair amount of time fishing.
How much of the World Cup did you watch?
I watched quite a bit of it in-between carrying out our pre-season training programme in Ireland. We were back into things early as we had a European tie before the World Cup Final was even played.
For me the stand-out player was Thomas Muller of Germany he was simply unbelievable.
What is your favourite pre-match meal?
It is chicken with pasta and beans 3 hours before kick-off in every game whether it is a day game or a night-time game.
Who is your favourite singer?
I quite like Michael Buble. All the boys at the club are allowed to pick 2 songs and let Jamie Langfield know what they are as he is in charge of the music this season. We also have a special set of songs that we play after we win a game.
And yes I have heard the Human League a few times with ‘Don’t You Want Me Baby?’ It is always good fun to hear that when I am on the pitch however I still find it strange when people start singing ‘Peter Pawlett Baby’ to me in the street.
Who is the biggest moaner at the club?
It has to be a joint award to Willo Flood and Barry Robson. If things are not going their way in training you will know about it, especially if it is your fault! If they are on the losing team in training you know to leave them alone for a while.
Who has the best skills at Aberdeen?
Again that has to be a joint award but this time to Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes. They are both really tricky players on the pitch and they are more than decent with their skills in training.
Who is the worst dressed at the club?
Can I still give it to Joe Shaughnessy even though he has just joined Falkirk on loan? Some of the gear he wears is really bad and we need to keep reminding him that he is a footballer and not a student.
Who is the best dancer?
Some of the younger lads are great movers and Jamie Masson is probably the best of the lot. At 23 I am no longer one of the younger lads at Aberdeen and have to admit the younger players win this one.
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