Lyndon Dykes fuelled by Euro 2024 heartbreak as Scotland star aims to overcome game time frustration after failed Hibs move
Birmingham City striker feeling ‘mentally strong’ despite lack of game time ahead of two crucial World Cup qualifiers
Lyndon Dykes suffered emotional trauma from missing out on last summer’s European Championships - but admits he’s now desperate for the chance to go one better by helping for Scotland reach a first World Cup finals appearance since 1998.
The Birmingham City striker - who saw a summer move to Hibs fall through - faced the agony of having to watch his international team mates from the stands in Germany after being ruled out of the tournament through injury, but the Australian born hitman admits his adopted country have earned the right to grace the biggest stage in world football.
Dykes could lead the line in the penultimate qualifier against Greece in Athens on Saturday night as Steve Clarke’s side aim to avoid defeat and remain on course for automatic qualification from Group C.
A point would set up a winner-takes all showdown with Denmark at Hampden Park next Tuesday with the prize at stake being a golden ticket to next summer’s finals in North America.
Euro 2024 heartbreak fuelling Lyndon Dykes’ World Cup push
And the 30-year-old is adamant the pressure of finishing off the job won’t have a negative impact on head coach Clarke and his team with his Euro pain making Dykes more determined to ensure he can bask in the party this time around.
“Looking back, it was difficult but it’s in the past now,” Dykes reflected on his Euro heartbreak. “There were times out there I was a bit down, a bit sad seeing the boys train and travel to play these amazing games with all the support we had.
“I’d be lying to say I didn’t watch the games wishing I was out there, but the positives outweigh the negatives. I still enjoyed being with the team and I still go to do everything with the boys. I went and did what I could physically trying to get back from my injury, did a little bit of media as well.
“Coming away from it, going out there was probably the best thing I could’ve done because I would have just been sitting at home bubbling and boiling. Going out let me get rid of some of my frustrations and let me see the enjoyment of everyone and be with the team in that environment.
He continued: “Now I’m just looking forward - and the next thing’s the World Cup. We’ve got two huge games to get there. We want to be getting automatic qualification, that’s the end goal for us. So we’ve an opportunity to do it. It’s not going to be easy. We have to make sure we turn up for both games but it would definitely be the highlight of my life and my career.
“To play at the World Cup personally is something I never thought I’d have the opportunity to do. It’s an amazing thing. I think what we’ve been through over the last number of years, we had the burden of trying to qualify for the Euros and we did that as a team.
“We got to back-to-back Euros and now everyone wants to be at the World Cup - all the players, the staff and the whole nation. In general, we deserve it as a team for what we’ve shown over the past number of years. But just saying that doesn’t mean we’re going to get there. It’s going to be two difficult games.
“We have to make sure we focus on the first one against Greece and do what we need to do in that game. But anyone would want to play in the World Cup, it would be the pinnacle of your career.”
Undercooked Lyndon Dykes ready to fire Scotland to World Cup finals
Dykes, who spoke openly about why his deadline day transfer to Easter Road collapsed, arrived in camp earlier this week slightly under-cooked due to his lack of minutes at club level this term.
He’s started just two games for the EFL Championship club so far, but has still manage to contribute in a number of cameos. And he’s ready to make a telling contribution once again for Scotland.
“I feel good,” he confessed. “I had a bit of an injury at the end of last season, but I went through all of pre-season and this whole season so far injury-free. I feel really strong, fit, rally confident.
“I haven’t started many games but that’s not my decision. You have to change your mindset a bit to still be 100% committed. I’ve got little game time in the Championship this year from what I’ve been used to in previous years but I’m still trying to do my best.
“I’ve scored a couple of goals to get points for Birmingham, scored recently for Scotland as well. I’m getting a little bit older now, I’ve come to a different place mentally as well. I feel strong in my mind and strong in my body and when they both connect, I feel in a good place. If you’re mentally strong, you can perform.”