David Martindale has backed former Livingston striker Lyndon Dykes to thrive on the biggest stage, insisting the Scotland international is at his best when the pressure is on.
Former Premiership Manager Backs Dykes
Martindale, now sporting director at Livingston, worked closely with Dykes during his time at the club after his move from Queen of the South in 2019. He believes Dykes' sensational form at Almondvale set him on the path to the World Cup.
Dykes, born in Australia to parents from Dumfries, is part of Steve Clarke's 26-man squad for the tournament. Scotland open their campaign against Haiti in the early hours of Sunday at Boston Stadium, followed by Morocco on June 19 and Brazil on June 24 in Miami.
Martindale said: "It's brilliant he could be up against Brazil - and I think Lyndon would absolutely relish that. It is a game that suits him down to a tee, but all of them would."
He added: "I think the bigger the opponent, the better Lyndon is. He definitely will treat Brazil and the other teams like everyone else. He will go out there and play his game, it won't faze him."
Dykes' Rise to International Stardom
Dykes made a huge impact at Livingston, scoring 11 goals in 28 appearances before earning a move to Queens Park Rangers. Martindale recalled the battle between Australia and Scotland for Dykes' international allegiance, with then Australia assistant Rene Meulensteen and Scotland boss Steve Clarke both trying to convince him.
"When Lyndon was at Livingston and they were trying to get us to convince Lyndon to commit to Australia and, at the same time, I had Steve Clarke on trying to convince Lyndon to play for Scotland," Martindale said. "So before Lyndon left Livingston, those talks were already in place."
Dykes made his Scotland debut in a 1-1 draw with Israel in September 2020, just a month after joining QPR. He went to Euro 2020, missed the next Euros through injury, and now is at the World Cup.
Three Former Players at World Cup
Martindale will also be watching two other former Livingston players: Curacao defender Josh Brenet and Australia striker Tete Yengi, who is still a Livingston player but on loan. Yengi faces hosts USA, Paraguay and Turkey in Group D, while Brenet takes on Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E.
"It gives you a different interest in the World Cup away from the Scotland games and Lyndon," Martindale said. "I'll be half looking at Australia and Curacao because there are boys that have actually played for me."
He praised Yengi's dedication: "He has worked extremely hard; he is one of the most dedicated professionals I've had at the football club in terms of his work ethic and how much he puts into his game off the park."
Martindale concluded: "It is going to be extremely interesting watching players we've worked with and who are still at the football club - because Tete is still a Livingston player - and that is brilliant for us as a club."
