Scotland kick off Nations League campaign against Israel on September 4, before travelling to Czech Republic on September 7
Tuesday 25 August 2020 15:05, UK
Lyndon Dykes has been named in Steve Clarke's Nations League squad after choosing to represent Scotland instead of Australia, while Kieran Tierney and John McGinn return after injury.
QPR forward Dykes is also eligible to represent Australia, having been born on the Gold Coast, but Hampden chiefs have been assured the 24-year-old sees his future with the country of his parents' birth. They both hail from Dumfries.
The 24-year-old could be pulling on a dark blue jersey next month as Scotland kick off their Nations League campaign against Israel on September 4, before travelling to Czech Republic on September 7.
Dykes, who recently completed a £2m switch from Livingston to Loftus Road, has been included alongside Livi goalkeeper Robby McCrorie, who is on loan from Rangers and has also received a maiden call-up. Tierney is included in the Scotland squad for the first time under Clarke.
Ryan Fraser is the most noticeable absentee, while Johnny Russell and Lewis Morgan have not been included as they are based in the USA.
Former Bournemouth winger Fraser has not played since before lockdown, having rejected the chance to extend his contract to allow him complete their Premier League campaign.
But striker Lawrence Shankland is involved, despite having missed Dundee United's last four games with a leg muscle issue.
Scotland squad: David Marshall, Robby McCrorie, Jon McLaughlin, Liam Cooper, Declan Gallagher, Scott McKenna, Stephen O'Donnell, Liam Palmer, Andy Robertson, Greg Taylor, Kieran Tierney, Stuart Armstrong, Ryan Christie, John Fleck, Ryan Jack, John McGinn, Callum McGregor, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay, Oliver Burke, Lyndon Dykes, James Forrest, Oli McBurnie, Lawrence Shankland.
Clarke says he had "honest" discussions with Dykes easier in the year, and is relieved the 24-year-old has chosen Scotland over Australia.
"I spoke to Lyndon a long time ago, before the potential fixtures in March of this year. We discussed a lot of things," Clarke said.
"Lyndon was very honest. He obviously had the chance to play for Australia as well. We had a good, honest chat. He gave me his thoughts, I gave him mine on what would be best for him - and thankfully he's named in the squad.
"I would imagine he would be getting the same conversation from [Australia head coach] Graham Arnold as he was from me. I didn't put any pressure on him, I wasn't pushing. It was very important for Lyndon to make the decision that he wanted to make.
"Obviously we can give him little ideas about what it will be like if he comes into the Scotland camp but I'm just glad he's come down on our side."
