In Scotland’s most recent games, it is fair to say that the team hasn’t performed well.
The most recent game, against a Czech Republic shadow side on Monday night, was particularly grim viewing.
However, there were perhaps two shining lights in that 2-1 win for Scotland.
One was the performance of Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall. The other was the performance of striker Lyndon Dykes.
A calm and composed finish
In only his second international appearances, Dykes showed calm and composure to fire Scotland level against the Czech Republic.
He made an intelligent run into the penalty box and was in the right place to slam home Liam Palmer’s cross.
That was a goal that a veteran striker would have been proud of. Dykes deserves plenty of credit for his finish.
Dykes was also one of the few Scotland players who performed well in the 1-1 draw with Israel, a few days before the Czech Republic clash.
He doesn’t seem out of his depth at international level. That might be a bit surprising, as the biggest team he has played regular football for is Livingston.
Has adjusted quickly to international game
Still, good on him for adjusting to the international game so quickly.
Now Dykes has a chance to become a Scotland legend at the very start of his international career, if he can help the national side end a 21-year wait of make an international tournament.
Scotland’s next game is the Euro 2020 play-off semi-final versus Israel at Hampden on the 8th of October. A win in that game will take Scotland one game away from the Euros, a very exciting prospect.
You have to imagine that Dykes will be one of the first names on Steve Clarke’s team-sheet for that game. Especially after how well he played against Israel in the recent Nations League game.
Up until then, Clarke and Scotland’s Tartan Army will be hoping that Dykes avoids injury as he begins life at Championship side QPR.
Just imagine if he manages to score a few goals between now and the game against Israel. His confidence will be sky-high. That can only be good for Scotland, ahead of a game which has so much riding on it.