Aussie rules: Dykes close to debut
QPR striker could line up for Scotland against Israel
STEVEN REID, the Scotland coach, last night stated that Lyndon Dykes, the Australian-born striker, is in line to make his international debut against Israel on Friday night.
Dykes, whose parents hail from Dumfries and who turned down the chance to play for the Socceroos this summer, joined up with the national squad for the first time at Oriam yesterday.
The 24-year-old impressed manager Steve Clarke and his backroom in training and Reid admitted he has a chance of being involved in the Nations League match at Hampden this week.
Lawrence Shankland of Dundee United and Oliver McBurnie of Sheffield United both withdrew from the double header due to injury at the weekend.
Callum Paterson of Cardiff City has been drafted in as a replacement and Oliver Burke of West Brom is also available.
But asked if Dykes could be set to start, Reid said: “Could be. That is something we will look at over the next few days.
“He is certainly going to be up to speed. Looking at his physique and frame he obviously looks after himself. It has been a busy few weeks for him. We will assess it as the week goes on. But, yes, he is in with a good shout of playing.
“We are looking forward to seeing a little bit more of what we did this morning – that training performance was not like someone who was nervous and finding their feet. He hit the ground running and was bright and was a positive personality on the training pitch.”
Reid and Clarke saw Dykes, who completed a £2million move to England Championship club Queens Park Rangers last month, in action for Livingston on several occasions in the 2019/20 season.
They believe the 6ft 2in forward has many qualities which can help Scotland win games and enjoy success.
“I said to him in the warm up that he is here on merit,” said Reid. “He has been watched very closely for a long period of time now, even going back into last season. Myself and the gaffer watched him on a regular basis and the gaffer was having