How being on 'opposite side' of Scotland's World Cup bid fuelled Hearts star's inspired recall to leave parents in tears
Jambos striker’s goal helped Steve Clarke’s side end nation’s 28-year wait to reach a World Cup finals - admitting it tops everything he’s achieved in his career
Lawrence Shankland admits the incentive of next summer’s World Cup finals will act as a huge motivator for every Scotland player to remain at the peak of their powers after experiencing the lows of being on the “opposite side”.
The Hearts striker played a massive role in helping Steve Clarke’s side clinch a spot at next summer’s showpiece in USA, Canada, Mexico when he climbed off the bench to score the second goal in Tuesday’s epic 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park.
The 30-year-old had been recalled to the squad by head coach Clarke for November’s double-header having missed out on the opening four qualifiers after being overlooked due to the impressive early season form of Hibs frontman Kieron Bowie.
But Shankland repaid the faith shown in him within 14 minutes of replacing Lyndon Dykes by steering home Lewis Ferguson’s corner from close range before one of the most dramatic ending’s that banished 27 years of agony.
The Jambos skipper, who has netted 11 times for club and country this season, revealed the prospect of gracing the biggest stage in world football in North America will act as a carrot to keep hitting the target.
“I know, I said that in dressing room,” a beaming Shankland said post-match. “It doesn't get any bigger. Of course, when you're watching the first few games in the house, there's a frustration there that you want to be back involved.
“But I've been lucky enough now that I've been part of a couple of qualifications. You want to leave your mark and managing to get a goal, hopefully it does that.”
Lawrence Shankland in bullish write Scotland off at your peril statement
Following Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean’s late heroics, Scotland finished top of Group C ahead of the Danes to secure automatic qualification.
Shankland was forced to watch from a distance as the campaign threatened to derail with two below-par performances against Greece and Belarus last month, which drew plenty of criticism.
However, maximum points from both games left Shankland is no doubt that the squad’s resilience would drag the nation over the line and reckons the manner in which they achieved it should act as proof that Clarke’s men can never be written off.
“It can,” he admitted. “The scrutiny's high. At the end of the day, I was on the opposite side, and I could see everything from the outside for the last few games.
“In my head, I was thinking, ‘we're joint-top of a group going into the last two games here. It's not that bad’. When you take a step back and you look at it from a different perspective as a player, there's always a chance there.
“When you give this team a chance, they've been quite good at taking it.”
Lawrence Shankland admits close range finish tops everything he’s achieved in career
While Shankland’s tap-in from a yard out will inevitably be overshadowed slightly amidst a night of world-class strikes, the Tynecastle star declared it ranks among the most memorable he’s scored so far across his career.
Given what was at stake, it was a moment of real significance that he’d dreamed of as a supporter long before transitioning from a seat in the stands onto the Hampden pitch. And it left tears of pride streaming down his parent’s faces as he greeted them after the game.
Asked how he rates the goal, Shankland responded: “It's got to be the top. I've been in the stands for many, many years as a kid. I've seen us go close but just not quite get there.
“To actually be on that pitch when we go and play their part to get there is an amazing feeling. You never lose that fan in you. You know exactly what the feeling is out there.
“It's different, obviously, in club football when you’ve been a lot of different clubs. But for the country and being in Hampden, it's just special.
“It's what you want. You come into the squad and when there’s the opportunity to get on the pitch, you just want to try and get on the end of something. Thankfully, Fergie put a great ball in, and the guy missed it. I just had to get a touch on it and get it in the net.
“Then you concede and you think the whole thing might be ruined. So it was an amazing feeling with KT going and getting that goal. A really special moment for Kenny McLean as well, getting the fourth.
“It was incredible. I got to see the kids at the end. Tears in your mum and dad’s eyes. It's a special moment for them. Just a great feeling.”