Ryan Fraser came through the ranks at Aberdeen with many of those who found themselves in Kris Boyd’s sights during the week, so it is natural that he bristled at the comments made by the Kilmarnock striker about his fellow professionals.

Stuart Armstrong rather diplomatically said he hadn’t seen Boyd label the inclusion of the Pittodrie players and Rangers’ Ryan Jack in the Scotland squad as a laughing stock, but Fraser was rather more forthcoming in his assessment of the pundit’s views.

While stressing that Boyd is entitled to his opinion, he wonders perhaps if that opinion has changed after watching the game, particularly in the case of Jack, who was a solid performer at right-back.

“I did see it,” said Fraser. “I think the whole squad seen it. We were eating one night, and you see him saying those words. It's not for me to say.

“I've grown up with them, I've came up through the ranks with them, and they deserve it as much as everyone else as well. I don't know what he's speaking about.

“It's his opinion. He's entitled to his opinion. Just because he says it doesn't mean he's right, and it doesn't mean he's wrong. You just need to get on with it. As a player, if he is going to say stuff like that, you just need to rise above it.

“I thought Jacko did very well. It's not his position, he hasn't played right-back this season for Rangers, and he comes in and he's playing against a world class player like Depay and he keeps him quiet. What more can you ask for? If you ask Kris Boyd now, I bet he won't be saying that.

“I know Aberdeen and Kilmarnock are playing in a couple of weeks' time and he's taken his anger out on (Graeme) Shinnie as well, and they're both captains, so we'll see how that one goes.”

Fraser was impressed by the way that Jack handled the boos that came his way from a section of the Tartan Army on Thursday night, although he wasn’t surprised by his mental resilience given his background.

“You knew he was going to get booed a little bit,” he said. “They were booing a bit, but because he was having such a good game, I don't think the fans could boo him anymore. I thought he did very well and rose above it.

“Where's he from in Aberdeen as well, it's not exactly the nicest of places. He's grown up in a bad part so I'm sure he's had a lot worse said to him!”

Fraser was frustrated not to start the game against The Netherlands for Scotland, and then doubly so when he did come on and missed a good chance to drag his side level. That, sadly, is just how his luck is going at the moment.

“That's kind of how my season has been so far,” he sighed. “I get to the end, do all the hard work, and then I miss the easy bit. I've got my confidence back, because I do it in training all the time, and I get there in games and it just doesn't come off for me.

“I've hit the post a couple of times this season when you think it's going in so I just need that little bit of luck. When that comes I'll score goals.

“[Bournemouth] is a tough squad to get into, but I've been involved. I think I've started five games, I've came on in most games, and I've had my injuries as well. I've scored in the cup as well.

“It's a difficult league. When you do get your chance and you miss when you should score, it is hard to take. That's the difference between teams these days.

“I wouldn't say I'm struggling, but I'm not having the same season that I was having last season. I just need a little bit of luck. I've spoken to Eddie Howe about it and it's not about confidence or that, it's just about a little bit of luck. Once that happens, I'll be back to my best.”