Steve Clarke believes that by providing Lawrence Shankland some affection and faith, the Hearts striker will return the favour with goals.

Despite just scoring once in 16 appearances for his club this season, the Jambos captain was one of four strikers included in Clarke’s Scotland team yesterday. Additionally, Shankland’s chances of playing could be improved as the head coach acknowledged that Che Adams is a major doubt to play in the Nations League doubleheader against Croatia and Poland after hobbling off for Torino on Sunday. The 29-year-old has seen a sharp decline from the previous campaign, when he scored 32 goals for both club and country and won Scotland’s player of the year award.justified

Due to a hamstring ache, he was forced to leave last month’s team that lost to Croatia and drew with Portugal, but he is back in Clarke’s sights for a pivotal week that could decide Scotland’s League A standing. The manager stated: “I think I’ve always shown I’m quite loyal to players that have been good for the country. Lawrence has been good for us.” “He’s having a tougher time this season, but that happens. What you’ve got to do is you’ve got to dig in, you’ve got to work hard, you’ve got to come through it.” At this point, he likely needs people to have some faith in him.

“Hopefully, he will receive the reward for that, and we may also receive it.” Lawrence wasn’t heavily involved at last camp because he pulled out due to a minor hamstring ailment. This time, I’ll talk to him nicely and let him know that I still adore him.

After sustaining a thigh knock during Torino’s loss to Fiorentina on Sunday, Clarke, who welcomes back John McGinn, Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry, and Tommy Conway from injury, announced Adams would be evaluated. But Clarke won’t feel pressured to bring up a replacement if the 28-year-old must miss out.

“No, we’re well covered in that department because I have four forwards in the squad,” he stated. Since Che picked it up on Sunday, it’s clearly a brief

The sole new player in Clarke’s roster was Cieran Slicker, a 17-time capped U21 international who replaced Jon McCracken of Dundee. Slicker was the backup custodian for Ipswich Town. After starting the last two games for his nation, Ben Doak keeps his position. Additionally, Rangers midfielder Connor Barron has returned after being brought up from the U21 team last month and making an impression on Clarke during Sunday’s victory in the Premier Sports Cup semifinal.

However, James Forrest, a seasoned Celtic winger, has no place. “The boys who were playing last month did well,” Clarke stated. Naturally, James had to leave the team due to a minor injury, so I’ll go with Ben Doak since he had a chance and I felt he handled it effectively.

“Connor Barron has performed admirably. On Sunday, Connor impressed me. Every time I’ve seen him this year, he’s been good. It’s clear that he has prior team experience. He exhibits a positive outlook. It has been enjoyable, even if he is aware that he is still learning the game. I’m rather happy with Connor.

Lennon Miller, a midfielder who was given the Motherwell captaincy at the young age of 18, was another player who stole the show at Hampden on Sunday. Although the Fir Park kid is on Clarke’s radar, he is content to let him grow in the U19s and U21s for the time being.

He stated: “It benefits Lennon and his club.” Another young one who everyone wants to promote and hype is him. It’s crucial to give young players time to develop, so let’s just give Lennon a little time and space to mature.