Hearts' Lawrence Shankland ready for a career-defining moment - and a chance to escape Disney movies

Lawrence Shankland’s Scotland recall after a 12-month absence is reward for a convincing start to the season with Hearts. Whilst duties at Riccarton are the striker’s daily bread and butter, he senses the opportunity to seize a touch of history over the coming days. World Cup aspirations go on the line against Greece and Denmark. The predatory Shankland is eager to score a career-defining goal to end Scotland’s 28-year absence from the tournament finals.

Ten goals in 16 appearances at club level earned him recognition from national coach Steve Clarke. Shankland replaced Hibs forward Kieron Bowie in the squad for the final two World Cup qualifiers, with Scotland joint-top of Group C alongside the Danes. It is unlikely he will play from the start in Greece, with Ché Adams, Lyndon Dykes and George Hirst all probably ahead of him in the queue for game time. However, Shankland only needs a couple of minutes on the pitch to find the net.

He didn’t start any of Scotland’s matches at last summer’s European Championship in Germany, so a place at World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico would be something of a second chance. Scotland need to avoid defeat in Greece and then beat Denmark at Hampden to win the group and qualify automatically. A play-off spot is already secured with Greece eliminated. Scoring the goal to secure World Cup qualification would see Shankland etch his name in folklore.

“Everybody wants to play every minute of every game but, as a player, you know that's not possible,” he said, mindful of his bit-part role at Euro 2024. “It's a different role when you have an understanding of the situations, what the games require. 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. The first step for me recently has been getting back involved with the squad. I'm in a good place, playing well at club level and Hearts are doing well. If that opportunity comes to get on the pitch, then I'll go and try to be that guy and score the goal to get us there.

“I'd be nearly 35 come the next one so I'd be doing well to be involved in that. It's an opportunity just now and the boys are relishing it. Everybody wants to play at a World Cup and experience major tournaments. Luckily, we've been there at the Euros. To go to a World Cup would feel like another level so hopefully we can get two good performances and two good results, then that would be us on our way.”

Shankland’s Hearts team-mate Alexandros Kyziridis hoped to be part of the Greece squad but is yet to experience international football. “He hasn't said much. He texted me to say congratulations on getting in the Scotland squad. I don't know if he was hoping to get in the Greece squad. I wouldn't have been too surprised if he was. He's been doing really well here and the team is in a good position. Hopefully he will get involved in the future.”

Another Riccarton colleague, Craig Gordon, is with Shankland as part of the Scotland squad. He is a strong contender to be selected in goal against the Greeks as first-choice keeper Angus Gunn is injured. Gordon hasn’t played competitively since May due to injury, however. “Craigy trains properly. He's a 42-year-old guy who is still earning a living as a professional footballer. That probably tells you everything you need to know,” stressed Shankland.

“If he gets the opportunity, he'll be ready. Craigy is capable of big saves in big games and I'm sure he'll relish the challenge if it comes. It's probably a pretty unique situation for the goalkeepers given how we find ourselves, but you are talking about a guy with many caps who has experienced so many of these games with Scotland. He has always produced for us. I'm sure he'll be ready and he'll maybe be looking at it as an opportunity.”

Experiencing a World Cup with Scotland was at the back of Shankland’s mind when he chose to sign a new Hearts contract in July. “I knew myself that, when I'd done well here in the past, then I got a chance to be involved. It does come into your thinking,” said the striker. “A couple of other options would probably have ended your international career if you had taken them and gone other places to play. I knew this was an opportunity.

“With a World Cup approaching, it's always a good idea to try and be involved. I'm joining late in this campaign but it's at a vital point where you can go and qualify. Hopefully I'm there again and can be a part of that. The first World Cup I remember was 2002. That's the first one I sat and watched properly, Brazil and Ronaldo. Games were on before school and I remember watching them. It was special. If we manage to get the country there, it would be great.”

With the Scots at a training camp in Turkey before taking on Greece, Shankland will have evening time to spare. Which is different to family life at home. He is keen to watch the new Kenny Dalglish film documenting the career of Scotland’s most-capped internationalist. “I was thinking I could watch that when I'm away - when I've not got the weans and got a bit of peace,” smiled Shankland. “Then I don't need to watch some Disney movie. I'll have plenty of time on my hands.”