Shankland is back in the squad and he insists he’s ready to fire us to North America in the summer
Lawrence Shankland celebrates his goal for Scotland against Finland(Image: SNS Group)
Lawrence Shankland insists he’s ready to be the man to fire Scotland to a first World Cup in 28 years.
The Hearts striker has forced his way back into Steve Clarke’s squad off the back of a red-hot start to the season with the league leaders.
Shankland has rediscovered his Midas touch in maroon and tops the Premiership scoring charts while he has netted 10 in all competitions so far.
Now he hopes his form can convince Clarke to hand him his chance in the double header against Greece and Denmark which can secure automatic qualification to next summer’s showpiece.
Shankland has three goals in 16 appearances for his country and was part of last summer’s Euro 2024 squad but had to make do with three late sub appearances in Germany.
And while the 30-year-old is ready to play a supporting role again in the qualifying campaign finale that starts in Piraeus on Saturday, he would love nothing more than to score the goal to take the country to a first World Cup since 1998.
He said: “Everybody wants to play every minute of every game but, as a player, you know that’s not possible.
Lawrence Shankland leaves the hotel with Connor Barron(Image: SNS Group)
“I got on in all the games last summer and you try to make an impact. That’s the role you’re asked to play and you go with it.
“I wouldn’t say there’s disappointment. You always want to do more and bring more but your role is what it is on a matchday for the national team. You accept it.
“The first step for me recently has been getting back involved with the squad. I’m in a good place, playing well at club level and Hearts are doing well.
“If that opportunity comes to get on the pitch, then I’ll go and try to be that guy and score the goal to get us there.
“Everybody wants to play at a World Cup and experience major tournaments. Luckily, we’ve been there at the Euros.
“To go to a World Cup would feel like another level so hopefully we can get two good performances and two good results, then that would be us on our way.”
Tynecastle team-mate Craig Gordon could be set for a stunning return in the Studio Georgios Karaiskakis on Saturday night.
Despite not having played a minute of competitive football for over six months the 42-year-old could get the nod over Rangers No.2 Liam Kelly and Falkirk’s Scott Bain to replace injured Angus Gunn.
And Shankland would have no doubts over the 81-times capped keeper’s readiness for action.
“Craigy trains properly,” he said. “He’s a 42-year-old guy who is still earning a living as a professional footballer. That probably tells you everything you need to know.
“If he gets the opportunity, he’ll be ready. Craigy is capable of big saves in big games and I’m sure he’ll relish the challenge if it comes.
“It’s probably a pretty unique situation for the goalkeepers given how we find ourselves, but you are talking about a guy with many caps who has experienced so many of these games with Scotland. He has always produced for us. I’m sure he’ll be ready and he’ll maybe be looking at it as an opportunity.”
Shankland left it late to sign a new deal at Tynecastle in the summer as he weighed up his options.
The former Dundee United hitman had offers in England and the Middle East but opted to stay in Gorgie. And he admits his international spot played a part in his decision making.
He said: “I knew that when I’d done well here in the past then I got a chance to be involved. It does come into your thinking.
“A couple of other options would probably have ended my international career.
“I knew this was an opportunity. With a World Cup approaching, it’s always a good idea to try and be involved.
Heart of Midlothian’s Lawrence Shankland celebrates
“I’m joining late in this campaign but it’s at a vital point where you can qualify. Hopefully I’m there again and can be a part of that.”
One Hearts team-mate who won’t be backing Shankland and Gordon is Alexandros Kyziridis.
The Greek winger has lit up Tynecastle with his dazzling performances since arriving in the summer.
And Shankland said: “He hasn’t said much. He texted me to say congratulations on getting in the Scotland squad.
“I don’t know if he was hoping to get in the Greece squad. I wouldn’t have been too surprised if he was. He’s been doing really well here.”
Meanwhile, Shankland could watch the new Kenny Dalglish film for inspiration ahead of facing Greece.
Scotland’s record appearance holder and joint top scorer played at FOUR World Cups between 1974 and 1986.
Shankland said: “I was thinking I could watch that when I’m away –when I’ve not got the weans and got a bit of peace. Then I don’t need to watch some Disney movie. I’ll have plenty of time on my hands.
“The first World Cup I remember was 2002. That’s the first one I sat and watched properly, Brazil and Ronaldo. Games were on before school. It was special. If we manage to get there, it would be great.”