Aussie Scot Dykes over health scare and ready for Spain
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Lyndon Dykes is in line to lead Scotland’s attack against Spain two months after being hospitalised with pneumonia.
The Australian-born QPR striker spent eight days in hospital after initially feeling discomfort during a Championship match.
He made his return to international football as a substitute in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Cyprus and, with Southampton’s Che Adams having withdrawn through injury, is expected to start against Spain.
The 2020 Euros semi-finalists began their qualifying campaign for the 2024 tournament with a 3-0 win at home to Norway, but Dykes is adamant Scotland can go into the match with no fear.
“The mindset should be that we can win every game we play,” he said. “I’ve said that since I came into the Scotland set-up.
“We’ve got great players who play in the Premier League, probably the best league in the world, and we’ve got great depth, so we need to be positive and make sure the crowd are behind us and we make it a hard game for Spain.
“It would give us a major boost if we can win. If you can pick up six points in the first two games, it’s going to be a major step forward.”
Born on the Gold Coast Dykes shared his upbringing between there and Canberra and originally played rugby league. He moved to Scotland aged 20, to pursue his soccer career.
First capped in 2020, Saturday’s appearance was his 27th for the country in which his parents were born.
“I was really happy to be back out there on the pitch with the boys and in front of the fans after a little tough spell,” he said of his impact, Scotland adding two late goals after his arrival. “I was just happy to help the boys get the result.
“I want to start every game for Scotland. I’ve done well since I came into the set-up but we’ve got great competition.
“If I get the nod on the night, I’ll be doing my best. The manager [Steve Clarke] knows what I can bring, we’ve got a great relationship.”
PA
