Scotland full-back Aaron Hickey is "progressing well" as he recovers from a long-term injury setback - and he still has his eyes on featuring for Scotland at this summer's European Championships in Germany.
The Brentford star, 21, hasn't played a competitive match since sustaining a hamstring injury during an English Premier League clash against Chelsea in October.
And Bees manager Thomas Frank recently confessed that the former Heart of Midlothian prodigy was unlikely to feature again this season, despite returning to light training.
But according to Steven Pressley, head of player development at Brentford, Hickey may yet return in time to be included in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for Euro 2024.
That would prove a timely boost, with fellow full-back Nathan Patterson hobbling off in Everton's defeat to Chelsea on Monday night. While the alternative option, Anthony Ralston, is second choice in his position at Celtic.
Commenting on Hickey's chances of making the plane to Germany, Pressley admitted: "Whether it's too quick or not, he's giving it a real go."
READ MORE: Celtic jibe at Rangers has McCoist & Brazil at odds on-air
To give Hickey that extra incentive to get back ASAP, Pressley warned him that major tournaments don't come around often, and he wouldn't want to live with the regret of being unable to play his part.
Although, he believes Hickey will go on to have a succesful career once he puts this latest injury setback behind him, and even tipped the 14-time capped internationalist to reach the very top.
"I had a cup of coffee in the canteen with him and he said he's going to give this a real go - he's making good progress," said the former defender.
"I said to him, 'Aaron, my advice is this; from my own career, one of the lessons I learned is that when you're a young player and opportunities like this arise, you always think there's going to be plenty more in your career'.
"Landscapes change very quickly; careers change very quickly and this might be your only opportunity to play in a major tournament'.
"Now I hope for Scotland and for Aaron Hickey it's one of many, but you just never know.
READ MORE: Brentford boss gives Aaron Hickey Scotland Euro 2024 injury update
"I really hope - with recent news about Patterson as well - it would be a big plus for Scotland if he was fit because Aaron is an outstanding player.
"He really is a player I think could go on to the next level. I think he could play at the top."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here