Lawrence Shankland has staked a strong claim for a starting place in Scotland's World Cup opener against Haiti after impressing in recent friendlies. The 30-year-old striker scored three of Scotland's four goals in the 4-0 win over Bolivia in New Jersey on Saturday, forming a promising partnership with Ché Adams. Manager Steve Clarke is expected to deploy two centre-forwards, a departure from his usual single-striker system, with Shankland and Adams likely to lead the line.
Shankland, who will join Rangers after the tournament, admitted to frustration at not scoring a hat-trick against Bolivia but stressed he never assumes a starting role. 'You never assume anything in football,' he said. 'When you get the opportunity, you put your best foot forward. These friendlies have been good for me; I've managed to get a few goals and my performances have been decent.'
Scotland's preparations have been boosted by eight goals in two friendly wins, against Curaçao and Bolivia, which have lifted the mood after a poor run of form. Shankland noted a 'club feel' in the camp, with familiar faces and strong togetherness. 'We go into the first game confident,' he added. 'Our preparation has been good.'
Clarke's main selection headache is in midfield, where Scott McTominay, Ryan Christie, John McGinn, Lewis Ferguson and Ben Gannon-Doak are vying for four spots. McTominay is a certainty, while Christie and McGinn are trusted options. Gannon-Doak's pace and Ferguson's holding style offer tactical versatility. Aaron Hickey and Andy Robertson are set to start as full-backs, with Grant Hanley and Jack Hendry likely to partner in central defence.
Scotland will train in Charlotte before heading to Boston for their World Cup opener against Haiti on Saturday. Shankland, reflecting on a season of highs and lows with Hearts, said: 'When you have the buzz of a World Cup to look forward to, you can move quickly. The game moves on and you have to move with it.'
