So close to the promised Lynd

Dykes rues missing his big chance to give World Cup bid winning start

- BY SCOTT MCDERMOTT

AS soon as he came off the pitch it was probably the first thing Lyndon Dykes thought about.

So much so, that when he sat in the dugout after putting in a tireless shift up front for Scotland, he almost immediately watched it back.

The big striker wanted a rerun of the chance which could have turned a good night for Steve Clarke's men into a brilliant one in Copenhagen.

Dykes played well against Denmark in the 0-0 World Cup qualifying opener on Friday, which got the Group C campaign off to a steady start.

The Birmingham striker was given a vote of confidence by Clarke, who picked him alongside Che Adams in attack.

That pair had fed off scraps for most of the night in a tight game but midway through the second half, Dykes was presented with an opportunity to score a priceless goal.

After a terrific move down the right flank involving Aaron Hickey and John McGinn - Adams slid a ball across for his partner which looked perfect to strike with his right foot.

But Dykes, who hasn't scored a Scotland goal for two years - and 13 games - hesitated, took a touch and eventually his effort was blocked.

The miss didn't overshadow an impressive display from the 29-year-old.

But he knew he should have done better. He knew he had to take it early. Some will look at it and say he lacked confidence in that moment.

But as much as Dykes expected more of himself, he's adamant it wasn't down to a lack of belief.

He said: "I'm obviously disappointed with the chance.