Scotland manager Steve Clarke maintains that in order to put an end to his unexpected run of form, misfiring Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland needs all the aid he can get.
Shankland is a shell of the player he was the previous season, when he won the PFA and SFWA player of the year awards, and he has had difficulty scoring this season.
The Jambos are currently second-bottom in the Premiership, and it’s no surprise that the 29-year-old has only scored one goal in 16 games for Hearts.
But Clarke, who obviously still believes in Shankland, has summoned him up for Scotland’s upcoming UEFA Nations League games.
Clarke even went so far as to state that he still thinks the Jambos captain is fantastic and wants to give him the best chance to get back to his best.
Shankland’s misfiring, Clarke “still loves”
After revealing his most recent Scotland team, Clarke told the media, “I believe I’ve always shown I’m quite loyal to players that have been good for the country.” For us, Lawrence has been helpful.
This season, he’s struggling, but that’s normal. What you must do is to put in the necessary effort, work hard, and persevere through it. He most likely needs someone to have some faith in him right now.
“Hopefully, he will receive the reward for that, and we may receive it as well. Lawrence wasn’t heavily involved at last camp because he pulled out due to a minor hamstring ailment. This time, I’ll talk to him nicely and let him know that I still adore him.
An injury to Che Adams gives Shankland Scotland a chance.
If Torino striker Che Adams is unable to play, Shankland will have a stronger chance of starting in the matches against Croatia and Poland later this month.
Despite taking a thigh knock on Sunday as Torino fell to Fiorentina 1-0 in Serie A, Adams was called up by Clarke.
If Adams is unable to join the team, Clarke does not intend to call up another forward because he already has Shankland, Tommy Conway, and Lyndon Dykes as backups.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
