Duvan Zapata has scored three goals in the Champions League so far this season. He is one of numerous experienced campaigners in the Atalanta squad currently enjoying his peak. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY UEFA.
Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland insists he is taking nothing for granted ahead of the country’s World Cup opener against Haiti this weekend in Boston.
The new Rangers frontman has been in stunning form for Steve Clarke’s side during the pre-tournament friendly fixtures ahead of the United States-hosted World Cup.
Shankland bagged a goal in Saturday’s commanding 4-0 friendly victory over Bolivia at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, helping Clarke’s side build serious momentum.
That strike followed a double against Curacao at Hampden last week, giving the 30-year-old three goals across just two warm-up matches heading into the tournament.
Despite his red-hot form, Shankland says he refuses to assume he will be named in the starting lineup when Scotland face Haiti this weekend.
“No, never,” Shankland said. “You never assume anything in football. All you can do when you get the opportunity to go out on the pitch is put your best foot forward.”
The striker, who secured his move from Hearts to Rangers before linking up with the national squad, added that the mentality across the entire group remains competitive and focused.
“I’ll never, ever think I’m certain to play,” he said. “You look at the quality and can never be presumptuous about that. We have a brilliant squad here, so whichever role I’m asked to play, I’ll be ready to play it.”
Shankland opened the scoring against Bolivia before Che Adams netted twice and Scott McTominay added a fourth to seal victory before half-time in sweltering 90-degree heat.
The striker was pleased with how the squad handled the extreme conditions and believes the performance provided the ideal platform heading into their first competitive fixture.
“There was a lot to be pleased about,” Shankland said. “It was a good performance and given it was a 4-0 win, we have to be happy with that.”
He highlighted the defensive discipline shown throughout the match as particularly encouraging ahead of facing World Cup opposition for the first time.
“I actually felt we were good on the defensive side of the game and it was good to get used to the temperatures,” he said.
Shankland also praised the team’s clinical edge in front of goal, describing the attacking display as a strong statement of intent before the tournament begins in earnest.
“We showed our quality at the top end of the pitch with four good goals,” he said. “It was a good win so ideal preparation for us.”
Scotland face Haiti in Boston this weekend with Clarke’s side carrying genuine confidence after two convincing victories and a striker in the form of his international career.
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