Kenny McLean has declared that Lawrence Shankland is the man capable of firing Scotland into the World Cup knockout stages for the first time on American soil.
The Rangers striker delivered an impressive double in Scotland’s Hampden send-off victory against Curacao on Saturday, catching the attention of teammates and supporters alike.
Scotland received a significant setback with confirmation that Billy Gilmour will miss the World Cup through injury, dealing a blow to Steve Clarke’s preparations.
Clarke, however, has been lifted by Shankland’s immediate return to goalscoring form, coming just days after the striker completed his move to Ibrox following Hearts’ Premiership disappointment.
Former Aberdeen teammate Kenny McLean, who knows Shankland both on and off the pitch, is convinced his old friend can make the difference for the national team in the United States.
McLean said: “I think he can. He showed his clinical finishing. It’s what he’s always done no matter where he’s been.”
The Scotland midfielder reflected on Shankland’s journey through the lower levels of the game, noting that his qualities were always visible even during his early struggles to break through at Pittodrie.
Shankland had spells at Ayr United, Dundee United and in Belgium before establishing himself emphatically at Tynecastle and earning his move to Rangers.
McLean said: “I was at Aberdeen with him and he was similar to what he is now. He’s always been what he is. People who saw him at Ayr and Dundee United and stuff like that, he’s always been that person.”
The Norwich City midfielder highlighted how much the 30-year-old has added to his overall game in recent seasons, beyond his natural instinct for scoring goals.
McLean added: “You know what you’re getting from Lawrence and that’s going to be between the sticks and over the last few years he’s brought so much more to his game.”
He pointed specifically to Shankland’s versatility at Hearts, saying: “At Hearts he dropped into the No.10 and played with Braga. It’s been amazing to see, he links so well.”
McLean also stressed that goals remain Shankland’s most valuable contribution, adding: “He’s so much more than goals but that’s the bread and butter, isn’t it? That’s what you want from your striker and he had two good finishes.”
The midfielder was part of the Scotland travelling party that flew across to the United States, with the squad now focused entirely on the tournament ahead.
McLean expressed his delight at Steve Clarke committing to a new deal, saying: “We’ve been together a long time, we have achieved a lot. We’re over the moon for him to still be here for that length of time and for two more campaigns.”
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