Shanks: I'd love to score the goal to book a World Cup spot

LAWRENCE SHANKLAND insists he's ready to be the man to fire Scotland to a first World Cup in 28 years.

- BY FRASER WILSON

The Hearts striker has forced his way back into Steve Clarke's squad off the back of a red-hot start to the season with the league leaders.

Shankland, above, has rediscovered his Midas touch in maroon and tops the Premiership scoring charts with seven goals. He has netted 10 in all competitions so far this term.

Now he hopes his form can convince Clarke to hand him his chance in the doubleheader against Greece and Denmark which could secure automatic qualification to next summer's showpiece.

Shankland has three goals in 16 appearances for his country and was part of last summer's Euro 2024 squad but had to make do with three late substitute appearances in Germany.

And while the 30-year-old is ready to play a supporting role again in the qualifying campaign finale that starts in Piraeus on Saturday, he would love nothing more than to score the goal to take the country to a first World Cup since 1998.

Shankland said: "Everybody wants to play every minute of every game but, as a player, you know that's not possible.

"I got on in all the games last summer and you try to make an impact.

"That's the role you're asked to play and you go with it. I wouldn't say there's disappointment. "You always want to do more and bring more but your role is what it is on a matchday for the national team. You accept it.