Steve Clarke is grateful new Queens Park Rangers striker Lyndon Dykes has opted to play for Scotland rather than Australia.
Dykes, who moved to London from Livingston for £2 million, has been named in Clarke’s squad for the Nations League qualifiers against Israel and the Czech Republic, opting for his parents’ land.
It caps an impressive 18 months for the Australian-born forward, who hit double-figures for a newly-promoted Livingston side last season before earning his big move this month.
“It was no big process – it started in March when the games were originally scheduled and I had two or three phone calls with Lyndon,” said Clarke. “I was really honest with him and to be fair he was really honest with me. It was a really tough decision for the lad to make. Thankfully he came down on our side.
“I didn’t make him any big promises, but I told him what I saw in the squad and what I saw for him. His attributes can help us and make the squad better.”
Dykes had overtures from his native Australia, where he was born on the Gold Coast. His parents hail from Dumfries and his career in Scotland started when he signed for Queen of the South in 2016.
Clarke added: “In a situation like that, I don’t think it’s fair to pressure anybody. It’s obviously a big decision. His sister is an Australian international gymnast, he was brought up there; I didn’t want to put him under any pressure when I spoke to him and I’m sure Graham Arnold (Australia head coach) was the same. He has to be comfortable with the decision and I’m just pleased he chose to come with us.
“I like the fact he’s improving. He came through at Queen of the South, it took him a bit of time but he found his level. He got better at Livingston and they did good business to steal a march and get him signed up in the January. There were maybe a few questions about whether he would step up, but he did that comfortably and became a good striker in the Premiership.
“He’s improving, he’s strong, he doesn’t mind the physical side of the game. His hold-up play is decent and the way he plays will help us; we have a lot of good attacking midfield players and it’s important you have a striker who can hold the ball up and bring these players into play. I think Lyndon can do that.”
Clarke has also called up uncapped Livingston goalkeeper Robby McCrorie, who is on loan from Rangers, while John McGinn and Kieran Tierney make the squad after injury. Scott McKenna is the only Aberdeen representative while Oliver Burke, Liam Cooper, Declan Gallagher and Lawrence Shankland keep their places.
Alex Dyer has stepped back as assistant manager to focus on Kilmarnock, with Clarke instead hoping to announce John Carver, who was Newcastle United assistant manager under Bobby Robson and Alan Pardew, to his coaching staff. He has been out of work since being sacked as manager of Cypriot club Omonia Nicosia in 2017.
Clarke added: “The biggest factor is SPFL matches in the October and November international breaks. The League Cup section games will be on those dates, so it is impossible for Alex to be with the national team in October or November.
“I’ve spoken to John Carver, who I have known for a long, long time. He is out of work at the moment and is enthusiastic to come and join us. Hopefully in the next couple of days I will secure John and he can come up and help us.”
