Kris Boyd insists Lawrence Shankland should be handed the nod to lead Scotland’s attack against Brazil as he warned the Miami heat will make Steve Clarke’s striker decision crucial.
The former Scotland forward reckons the Rangers hitman’s composure and link-up play make him the best fit for the conditions, even ahead of Che Adams.
Boyd told the Scottish Sun, “As a former Scotland No 9, this would have been the dream game of my international career.
“But given that I had to be taken off in a Scottish Cup final because of the heat, the boiling conditions probably wouldn’t have suited me.”
Clarke has a major call to make up front, with Adams starting both games so far, while Lyndon Dykes and Ross Stewart impressed off the bench against Morocco.
But Boyd believes Shankland offers something different and more suited to the occasion. He said, “You can make arguments for several players to be the lone striker.
“Che Adams has started both games and has put in a terrific shift, while Dykes and Stewart showed what they can do.
“But I’d give Lawrence Shankland the nod to start.”
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Boyd stressed that work rate alone cannot be the deciding factor in the extreme conditions expected in Miami. He added, “More often than not, Adams starts big games, but this decision can’t be based on work-rate or athleticism.
“I’ve spent the last two days in Miami and the heat will definitely be a factor. You could be the fittest striker here and you’d still find it impossible to charge about.”
Instead, Boyd believes Scotland need a focal point who can retain possession and bring others into play. He said, “This is a game where the Scotland No 9 has to protect the ball, take it in and link with those around him.
"We need to get John McGinn and Scott McTominay into dangerous areas, and we need to find them.
“Shankland’s touch and movement are very good, and that has to come into Steve’s thinking.”
Boyd also warned against expecting relentless pressing from Scotland’s frontman in such draining conditions. He said, “The No 9 can’t be expected to press high and run about daft. It would be unrealistic to keep that up.
“Shankland is an experienced, intelligent striker and he can help make Scotland more compact.
“And if we only create one or two chances, who would you want them to fall to?”
Boyd still expects Clarke to utilise his attacking options from the bench, with Adams, Dykes, Stewart and George Hirst all capable of making an impact late on. He added,“This is a game where all five subs will be needed because the conditions are truly energy-sapping.”
