The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Boss bursting with pride for Scotland striker Shankland
UNITED: Tannadice gaffer Robbie Neilson believes club’s top scorer has shown he is international class
Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson believes Lawrence Shankland has shown he is international class.
Neilson took his seat in the Hampden stand on Sunday to see his striker score his first goal for Scotland on what was his first full start for the country.
Neilson’s chest was bursting with pride when Shankland tapped in the Scots’ fourth in the 6-0 hammering of San Marino. That built on what was a fine debut as a substitute against Russia in Moscow the previous Thursday.
Those two displays confounded the critics who felt a player from the Championship should not be leading the line for the national team.
Neilson was glad to welcome the frontman back to Tannadice yesterday and told him he was a credit to both himself and United.
The Tannadice gaffer said: “I am absolutely delighted for him and I think everyone at the club is.
“It is a great achievement for him and a big, big honour to get selected.
“I watched the Russia game on telly and thought he did very well when he came on at half-time.
“He certainly merited a start in the San Marino game.
“I went along to Hampden for that one along with (United sporting director) Tony Asghar.
“It was a great occasion and we met Lawrence’s family, who were all there to cheer him on.
“It was a nice day and good for the kid to have all that support.
“I thought he did very well and his movement was great. I know people will say: ‘It was only against San Marino and a walk in the park’. However, it was still international football.
“I felt he could take the step up and I think he proved that.”
Meanwhile, United expect to have midfielder Calum Butcher available for Saturday’s trip to Queen of the South after he missed the Alloa defeat through injury.
There is still a doubt over full-back Jamie Robson, while central defender Mark Connolly will be missing for a few more weeks yet despite making good progress.