In-form striker Lawrence Shankland was thrilled to mark his home international debut by opening his Scotland account but insists the result was the most important thing about Sunday’s crushing victory over San Marino.
Dundee United forward Shankland earned his maiden call-up for the European Championship qualifiers against Russia and San Marino after netting 15 times in 13 games for his club since joining the Scottish Championship outfit in the summer.
He repaid Steve Clarke’s faith in him by scoring the fourth goal in a 6-0 win which saw Scotland end a four-match losing streak.
The former Ayr man was pleased to score his first goal for Scotland on his first start but stressed the three points were more important.
Shankland said: “I’m delighted to get my home debut. It was obviously a bonus to get a goal as well but more importantly we got the result.
“To get a goal as well, I was just delighted. It’s my job. I’ll get in positions to get goals and thankfully that one’s come off the bar and landed right at my feet so I’ll probably not get an easier one, but I’ll take it.”
Scotland still have two Group I fixtures to play before they can switch their focus to March’s Nations League play-offs.
Despite being unable to finish in the top two, Shankland wants Scotland to end their qualifying campaign on a high to breed positivity in the camp before the play-offs.
He added: “The main objective of the night was to get the win because we want to finish as high up in this group as we can.It’s all about building momentum towards the play-off games in March.”
