Why Lawrence Shankland is in and James Forrest is out as Scotland’s faith in misfiring Hearts striker explained
Hearts skipper Shankland – Scotland’s player of the year last season – is struggling for goals this time round but is included in Clarke’s squad
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Steve Clarke hopes showing Lawrence Shankland a little love and faith will see the Hearts hitman repay him with goals.
The Jambos skipper was one of four strikers named in Clarke’s Scotland squad yesterday despite netting just once in 16 games for his club this season. And with the head coach admitting Che Adams is a serious doubt to make the Nations League double header against Croatia and Poland after limping off for Torino on Sunday, Shankland’s chance of minutes could well be increased. The 29-year-old’s drop-off from last season where he netted 32 times for club and country and was named Scotland’s player of the year has been stark.
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He withdrew from last month’s squad that lost in Croatia and drew with Portugal due to a hamstring niggle. But he’s back in Clarke’s thoughts for a crucial week that could determined Scotland ’s League A status. And the boss said: “I think I’ve always shown I’m quite loyal to players that have been good for the country. Lawrence has been good for us.
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“He’s having a tougher time this season, but that happens. What you’ve got to do is you’ve got to dig in, you’ve got to work hard, you’ve got to come through it. At this time, he probably needs people to show a little bit of faith in him.
“Hopefully, he’ll get the reward of that and we might get the reward as well. Last camp, Lawrence pulled out with a slight hamstring injury, so he wasn’t involved too much. I’ll have a good chat with him this time and tell him that I still love him!”
Clarke, who welcomes John McGinn, Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry and Tommy Conway back from injury, confirmed Adams would be assessed after picking up a thigh knock in Torino’s defeat to Fiorentina on Sunday. But if the 28-year-old has to miss out Clarke won’t feel compelled to call-up a replacement.
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He said: “No, I’ve got four forwards in the squad, so we’re well covered in that department. Che picked it up on Sunday, so it’s obviously a short period of time between now. It’ll be scanned and assessed by his club, and we’ll find out later in the week whether or not he’ll join up.”
Ipswich Town back-up keeper Cieran Slicker was the only new name in Clarke’s squad with the 17-times capped U21 international replacing Dundee’s Jon McCracken. Ben Doak retains his spot after starting the last two matches for his country. And Rangers midfielder Connor Barron is also back having been called up from the U21s last month and impressing Clarke in Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi final win.
Cieran Slicker (Image: SNS Group / SFA)
But there’s no place for veteran Celtic winger James Forrest. Clarke said: “The boys that were playing last month did well. Obviously, James pulled out the squad with a slight injury, and Ben Doak got his chance and I thought Ben took it quite well, so I’ll stick with Ben.
“Connor Barron’s done really well. I was impressed with Connor on Sunday. He’s been good any time I’ve watched him this year. He’s obviously been in the squads before. He shows a good attitude. He knows he’s still working and learning the game, but it’s been pleasing. I’m really pleased with Connor.”
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