Mellon backs Shankland to set Scots alight
Dundee United boss Micky Mellon hailed Lawrence Shankland as a great Scottish talent after watching his striker score his second goal in two games.
The Scotland squad for the Euro PlayOff against Israel is due to be announced on Tuesday morning.
And it looks a certainty the 25- yearold will be included in the group by national coach Steve Clarke after proving his return to fitness following an ankle problem.
The issue forced him to withdraw from the Nations League ties with Israel and the Czech Republic earlier this month.
There was no sign of it yesterday, though, as his fired home United’s goal in the 1- 1 draw against Hamilton Accies.
“Lawrence does what he does. It was a great finish,” said Mellon.
“I don’t pick the national team but I am delighted for us that Scotland have a goalscorer of that talent.
“Young Logan Chalmers showed what a terrific talent he is as well.
“You all watched that. What about him? I don’t pick the team, but here’s a young Scottish player in the Premiership, the top end of our game, and he can’t get in the Scotland Under-21s.
“He has been playing consistently well for some time. I want people to dribble and have shots at goal.”
If the Tangerines boss was keen to highlight the skills of a player other than his striker, it was perhaps understandable.
Coventry City have been tracking Shankland’s progress with great interest and a predatory bid ahead of the close of the transfer window on Monday week cannot be ruled out.
“We are a good club here. I have said all along, about all the players, that nothing will happen unless it makes the club better,” said Mellon, who has had been fielding speculation about the player’s future since taking up his post.
“If something gets put our way about any of them, the decision will end with: “Does it make Dundee United better?
“As of this minute, we are delighted with what we have got and we are working hard to maybe add to that with more quality. We are moving it in the right direction.”