Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland admits he is desperate for a chance to score against Brazil at the World Cup, writes Scott McDermott in Charlotte. The new Rangers frontman was left out of Steve Clarke’s line-up for the 1-0 defeat to Morocco on Friday night.
Shankland eager to face Brazil
Shankland had started the opening Group C win over Haiti but was starved of service in front of goal. Now, the 30-year-old is itching to get back in Clarke’s team for the mouth-watering clash with the Brazilians in Miami. The Scots have struggled to create gilt-edged chances at the tournament so far. Shankland is our most natural finisher and believes if an opportunity comes his way against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, he can take it.
He said: “I’m craving more than one chance, to be honest. Hopefully, we’ll have a few on Wednesday. As a striker, everybody talks about those moments in front of goal and I hope, whether it’s more or somebody else, we can create one or more clear-cut chances to try and punish the opposition. That’s what we’re looking to do.”
Frustration over lack of chances
“It’s been frustrating (the lack of chances). Obviously, you’d like to create more. But in the Morocco game we did have a lot of moments. We just never quite managed to get on the end of them. We are getting into good areas and believe we have the ability to produce the quality we need. The manager has a large group of players to pick from so all you can do is train well and stay in his mind. There will be a lot for him to think about. It’s a big team selection going into such a big game. All I can do is give myself the best opportunity to play. Whatever role I am asked to play, I’ll be ready.”
Facing Brazil and Neymar
Shankland grew up watching Brazil’s Samba stars light up the World Cup and is aware of their history in the tournament. He’s also gearing up to face a legend in Neymar, who is set to be unleashed by Ancelotti on the Scots. The Rangers man knows how big a task Scotland face as they fight to progress to the next stage for the first time ever.
He said: “It's massive. It will be a tough challenge and they are a quality side. We will need to be at our best to get something out of it. For me, if you think of the World Cup, Brazil are the first team that comes to your mind. They’re the first team I remember properly watching the World Cup and they won it. Neymar is obviously an iconic figure for the Brazilians. You know what he has done in his career and how good a player he is. But he’s up the other end of the pitch from me so the defenders will need to deal with him! We are going there to get a result. Obviously a draw will probably be enough to take us through. But we are going to try and win the game and if we get a point, we’ll take it.”
Future with Rangers and Derek McInnes
When Shankland returns home from the World Cup he’ll hook up with his former Hearts gaffer Derek McInnes, who was appointed Rangers’ new boss during the tournament. The ex-Jambos captain said: "Obviously, I saw the news while I was over here. I’m pleased for the manager. It’s a good opportunity for him. But I haven't had too much time to think about it. I’m looking forward to a fresh start when I go back. But right now I’m just focused on this World Cup."
