John Carver, the assistant manager for the Scottish national football team, has issued a rallying call to Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland. Following a late invitation to join the Scotland squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers, Carver sees this as a golden chance for Shankland to cement his place in the team heading to Germany next year.
Circumstances Leading to Shankland’s Selection
Shankland, 28, captain of Hearts, was summoned by Scotland’s head coach Steve Clarke after an injury ruled out Che Adams, a key forward from Southampton. This call-up comes in the wake of Shankland’s impressive form, marked by 10 goals this season, including a recent brace in a victory against Motherwell.
Shankland’s Recent Achievements
- Five caps, the latest from a victory over Spain in March.
- A remarkable scoring streak for Hearts, with five goals in his last five appearances.
Carver’s Vision for Shankland’s Role
Carver suggests Shankland should draw inspiration from Ryan Porteous, Watford’s centre-back, who transformed from a peripheral figure to a mainstay in the squad. Carver reminisces about Porteous’s exceptional debut in Ukraine for the Nations League, which established his position in the team.
Key Takeaways for Shankland
- Leverage current form and scoring streak for national team impact.
- Embrace the unexpected opportunity to prove his worth.
Lewis Ferguson: Another Rising Star
Lewis Ferguson, joining the squad after a strong performance in Serie A, recently matched Denis Law’s record as the top Scottish scorer in Italy’s premier league. Carver believes Ferguson, 24, has the potential to become a regular in the national team by the time Euro 2024 commences.
Ferguson’s Development
- Impressive performance against France last month.
- Rapid growth in a challenging league environment.
Scotland’s Squad Dynamics Ahead of the Euros
With a series of injuries impacting key players like Che Adams, Angus Gunn, Andrew Robertson, Kieran Tierney, and Aaron Hickey, Carver acknowledges the fluid nature of squad selection. No player can be complacent about their place, nor should they consider themselves out of contention for the Euros.
Carver’s Outlook on Squad Selection
- Emphasizes open competition and performance-based selection.
- Acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties leading up to the Euros.
Scotland’s Recent Performances and Future Goals
Despite qualifying for the Euros, Scotland’s recent losses in friendlies and qualifiers highlight areas for improvement. Carver stresses the need for motivation and resilience, aiming to secure six points in the upcoming games and to be prepared for any slip-ups by Spain.
Carver’s Strategy Moving Forward
- Focus on immediate performance, not just future tournaments.
- Build on lessons from recent defeats against top European teams.
Conclusion: A Time for Opportunity and Growth
For Lawrence Shankland and other rising stars like Lewis Ferguson, the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers present a crucial platform to demonstrate their skills and assert their places in Scotland’s journey to Germany. As the team navigates injuries and form fluctuations, these qualifiers become a pivotal moment for both individual players and the team’s collective ambition.
