Scotland midfielder Kenny McLean believes Lawrence Shankland has what it takes to be the main man for the country at this summer’s World Cup.
The 30-year-old scored twice in Scotland’s 4-1 win over Curacao at Barclays Hampden, with new club teammate at Rangers Findlay Curtis and Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie scoring either side of his double.
And Norwich player of the season McLean feels the striker has staked his claim to lead the Scottish line in America.
McLean said: “I think he can [be Scotland’s starting striker].
“Again he showed a clinic in finishing, that’s what he’s always done no matter where he’s been.
“He was at a level where he was way better than for a long time, he’s now done really well at Hearts, got his move to Rangers.
“I think he’s got so much more to give again, I think he’ll improve again. He’s so much more than goals but that’s what you want from a striker. It’s obviously great for his confidence, which helps us.”
The pair played together at Aberdeen and despite Shankland never netting in the Granite City, McLean could see glimpses of the striker he has became back then.
“He was similar to what he is [now], he’s always been what he is.
“I think people would have saw him at Ayr and Dundee United and stuff like that, he’s always been that player, so you know what you’re getting from Lawrence and that’s going to be between the sticks.
“I think over the last couple of years he has brought so much more to his game, and he has obviously with Hearts dropped into the ten and played with [Claudio] Braga.
“He links the team so well, and again it’s something else that the manager can look at, to play him with somebody else, but between the sticks he’s ruthless, and that’s what you want from a striker.”
Manager Steve Clarke signed a four-year contract extension with Scotland before the friendly with Curacao, and McLean is delighted that any speculation surrounding his future in the summer has been put to bed.
“I think in every interview you see from the players, you know exactly what we think of the manager. We’ve been together a long time, we’ve achieved a lot.
“Over the moon for him to still be here for that length of time, but it’s not been spoken out really within the squad. We’re just happy that he’s here for now, we knew he was going to be here for the summer, that was the main focus.
“Obviously to get that sorted, it’s amazing for everybody because as I said, everybody’s got the same opinion on the manager, I’m sure.”
The Scotland squad jetted off to the USA today ahead of their final pre-tournament friendly against Bolivia on Saturday, before kicking-off the country’s first World Cup match in 28 years against Haiti at 2am UK time on June 14th.
