Aberdeen’s Ryan Hedges aims to emulate former Pittodrie loan star Simon Church

Attacker Ryan Hedges aims to emulate former Pittodrie loan star Simon Church by using Aberdeen to realise his Euro finals dream.

In January 2016, striker Church agreed to a loan deal at Aberdeen from MK Dons because he needed to star at a high level to secure selection to the Welsh squad for the Euro 2016 finals.

It paid off as Church, who netted seven times in 13 appearances for the Dons, was named in Chris Coleman’s squad for the finals in France.

Church played in group matches against Sweden and Russia and also featured in Wales’ 2-0 semi-final loss to Portugal.

When I signed I said to the manager it was my aspiration to get into the Euro squad.

“The manager told me about Simon Church and said there is no better place to be than Aberdeen for that.”

Ryan Hedges

Already on eight goals this season, Hedges is determined to force his way into Wales boss Ryan Giggs’ plans for the Euro 2020 finals next summer.

That begins with the World Cup qualifiers against Belgium and Czech Republic in March.

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Hedges said: “When I signed I said to the manager it was my aspiration to get into the Euro squad.

“The manager told me about Simon Church and said there is no better place to be than Aberdeen for that.

“The World Cup qualifiers in March is something I really want to aim for.

“There’s also the Euros at the end of this season.

“Obviously they have a lot of talented players in the Welsh set-up.

“I just need to keep my head down, keep working and keep helping Aberdeen and then see what happens come March – and then come the summer.”

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Hedges was last called into the Welsh squad in November last year for the Euro 2020 group clash with Hungary at Cardiff City Stadium.

He did not make the game squad for the 2-0 win that secured Euro qualification, but squad selection underlined Hedges was firmly on Giggs’ radar.

Hedges subsequently suffered a dip in form at club level in the second half of last season, but has started this campaign in impressive form.

Former Swansea City trainee Hedges has won three caps since making his Wales debut in November 2017 against Panama.

Hedges is delivering a powerful argument for selection for the World Cup qualifiers.

The opening goal in the 2-0 defeat of Kilmarnock was his eighth of the season and the attacker has also pitched in with a number of assists.

He said: “As a front player, you are looking for as many goals as  you can and as long as I’m contributing, that’s the main thing.

“Every player before a season will want to do really well and setting little goals and targets can help you along the way.

“You can see where you are and see how you are progressing and, personally, how you are doing.”

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