MX23RW : Sunday, November 17 01:41:49| >> :120:12092:12092:

Steven Reid confident Lyndon Dykes is ready for Scotland debut

Steven Reid confident Lyndon Dykes is ready for Scotland debut
© Reuters
The 24-year-old striker was included in the squad for the first time for the Nations League double header against Israel and Czech Republic.

Steven Reid insists there will be no qualms about putting Scotland new boy Lyndon Dykes straight into the side for the visit of Israel on Friday night.

The 24-year-old striker was born on the Gold Coast to parents from Dumfries and recently joined QPR from Livingston.

Dykes, who started his professional career at Queen of the South, could have played for Australia but opted for Scotland and was included in the squad by boss Steve Clarke for the first time for the Nations League double header against Israel and Czech Republic.

With Oli McBurnie joining fellow striker Lawrence Shankland in pulling out through injury, Dykes' chances of game time have improved.

Scotland coach Reid said: "He is a player that has been closely monitored for a long period of time.

Lyndon Dykes could make his Scotland debut
Lyndon Dykes could make his Scotland debut (Ronnie Esplin/PA)

"We're delighted that he has made the decision and is with us. He is a confident character and it's good to get him involved.

"If you are in the squad you prepare yourself to play. Everyone in the squad has a chance of playing.

"I think he will be ready. He's up to speed and looking sharp and I think he is going to be in the right frame of mind if he is called upon to hopefully continue the outstanding form he has shown for a long period of time."

Reid insists Scotland have sufficient firepower within the depleted squad, which was bolstered by the call-up of Cardiff utility man Callum Paterson.

Reid said: "I think we have good attacking options. We have players who can play in midfield but also play a little bit higher if need be.

Scotland – v – Kazakhstan European Championshio 2020 Qualifying Round – Hampden Park – Glasgow
John McGinn offers Scotland a goal threat (Steve Welsh/PA)

"John McGinn has been in free-scoring form for us from those midfield positions and we have good attacking options going forward, good creativity in the team so I think the squad is equipped to deal with one or two injuries.

"It is disappointing that the lads had to pull out with their respective injuries but it is an opportunity to bring Callum in and hopefully he takes that opportunity. I think the squad is strong enough to compete in these two games."

Reid also welcomes the selection dilemma Clarke faces with Kieran Tierney and Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson.

Arsenal defender Tierney has yet to play for Scotland under Clarke due to a series of injuries.

Reid said: "I have not worked with Kieran before. Hopefully the injury issues he had at the start of his move to Arsenal are behind him.

Kieran Tierney won the FA Cup with Arsenal
Kieran Tierney won the FA Cup with Arsenal (Catherine Ivill/PA)

"He has broken into the team and has been getting plaudits from around the country and it is good to have them both and it is a good dilemma to have.

"We don't see it as a problem, we see it as having good quality players in the squad.

"Kieran has played left-sided centre-back in recent games with Arsenal, left wing-back, he had certain games at right-back in his career.

"That versatility is a benefit but ultimately it is picking the best team for the game. We will look at it and assess it this week."

ID:412494: cacheID:412494:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8062:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Queens Park Rangers and Scotland forward Lyndon Dykes pictured in August 2020
Read Next:
Lyndon Dykes: 'I owe it all to Scotland'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Packers
@
Bears
6pm
Raiders
@
Dolphins
6pm
Colts
@
Jets
6pm
Jags
@
Lions
6pm
Rams
@
Patriots
6pm
Browns
@
Saints
6pm
Ravens
@
Steelers
6pm
Vikings
@
Titans
9.05pm
Seahawks
@
49ers
9.05pm
Falcons
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Chiefs
@
Bills
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!