LYNDON DYKES has told Steve Clarke to come and get him after declaring himself ready to pledge his allegiance to Scotland.
The Livingston striker was born in Australia to Scottish parents and has previously been non-committal over who he would like to represent at international level should the chance present itself.
After a spot of soul-searching though, Dykes says he is ready to answer Scotland’s call, and he believes he could make a contribution to get the nation to Euro 2020.
“I’ve said a couple of things in the last few weeks but I’ve sat down at home,” Dykes said. “My son was born in Scotland. My parents are Scottish. I don’t really have any family born in Australia besides me and my sister, so I don’t see why I couldn’t play for Scotland to be honest.
“I watched them in the international break and they have a brilliant team. If I ever got the opportunity I’d love to play for Scotland.
“But I’m just putting my head down and not getting carried away with that kind of stuff. I’ve still got to perform and show I’m good enough for a step-up.
“When it all started it’s a lot of talk. You go with the flow. But then I see Shanks (Lawrence Shankland) pulled out injured and they called up (Eamonn) Brophy. I think ‘why can’t I do this?’
“Also, I’ve lived here for a few years now. My parents were born here, I’ve got Scottish blood. I’m not someone who’s just rocked up in the country for the first time and wants to play.
“So, I thought to myself I could maybe try and make it a goal for myself, to try to play for Scotland.
“I think they’ve got a fighting spirit watching them and I really hope they make the Euros now.
“I’d love to be a part of that, if I ever got an opportunity of course.”
Dykes, speaking after his side’s defeat to Celtic, was impressed by the performances of Scotland's attacking players in the wins over Cyprus and Kazakhstan, but he feels he could bring something different to the international set-up.
“They played well,” he said. “John McGinn was the stand-out but I think I can maybe give a little bit of a different option for Steve Clarke.
“But I’m not getting carried away. I want to work at my game and get back to 100 percent fit.
“I’ve been injured with my ankle the last few weeks and this was the first time I felt really good and I’ve trained all week.
“I’m putting my head down and I’m going to try to work to maybe get into one of the international squads.”
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