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Canada winger Fraser Aird has dedicated his first international goal to his late dad after hailing his influence on his career.
The Falkirk player lost father Bill at the turn of the year and admits his opening goal in Wednsday’s 1-1 draw with Scotland at Easter Road was for his Scots-born parent.
Toronto-born Aird was capped at Under 17 and 19 level for Scotland but switched his allegiance to Canada in 2015 with the blessing of his dad.
The 22-year-old, who picked up his fifth cap against Gordon Strachan’s side, said: “I’m delighted, he must have been watching down on me and I have to say that that goal was for him – the first goal for my country.
“He was a big part of my decision to play for Canada even though he was Scottish, so all credit to him for that and I think I’ve made the right decision.
“I was delighted, to get a chance to play for your country is amazing and to get a chance to score my first goal for Canada is just amazing.”
Aird, who began his career at Rangers, tormented Scotland throughout the whole game and Canada interim manager Michael Findlay was impressed by the Bairns playmaker.
He said: “I think Sky Sports gave Fraser Aird player of the game.
“I was really impressed again and I think we’re displaying the qualities that exist in our programme.
“Given the opportunity to play, these guys will perform and we’re looking at players with potential, not players that are established and coming to the end of their international career. This is the beginning.”
