When it comes to Scotland’s upcoming Nations League double header against Israel and the Czech Republic, all eyes will be on the Israel clash.
The reason why? Scotland are set to take on Israel in Euro 2020 playoff semi-final on the 8th of October.
Therefore, a win over Israel on Friday could give Scotgland a boost before the semi-final. One player who can play a part in helping Scotland reach a first tournament in over 20 years is QPR striker Lyndon Dykes.
Dykes received his first Scotland call-up under Steve Clarke after a fine spell at Livingston, which saw him score 14 goals and win a move to the Championship.
Now the Daily Record is reporting that Dykes is set to start for Scotland against Israel. That can only be a good thing for the national side.
He could give Scotland a new dimension to the side as he is awkward to play against. You only need to ask Celtic’s Christopher Jullien about that.
Gave Celtic man plenty of problems
Jullien struggled against Dykes twice last season, as Celtic dropped four points in trips to Livingston.
Steve Clarke must have been impressed with what he saw in those performances. So far this season, Dykes scored twice for Livingston before winning his move to QPR.
Scotland don’t have it easy when it comes to strikers. Probably the best in the country is Leigh Griffiths, however he has not played for Celtic this season.ti
The absence of Griffiths opens the door for others to stake their claim. Dykes now has that chance. It is certainly a meteoric rise for a player who only a few seasons ago was at Queen Of The South. Now he looks to be only a few days away from making his international debut.
Hopefully Dykes is able to mark his international debut with a goal. That would give Scotland a new option going into the Euro 2020 play-offs.
It would also give Israel something to think about heading into that game, as they will be well-aware that should Dykes influence the Nations League game positively he will be all but certain to start the playoff game.