Lawrence Shankland admits he would do ANYTHING to play for Scotland as he detailed his dash home to answer Steve Clarke's SOS call.
The Hearts striker was called-up for Tuesday's clash with Spain following Che Adams' withdrawal from the squad after being forced off against Cyprus. The Tynecastle skipper - who has had a stunning domestic season in front of goal for Robbie Neilson's side - was on holiday when he made a mad jet back to be involved with the squad.
He's described landing another cap for his country as 'absolutely amazing' and that huge result at Hampden will live with him forever. He had a chance of his own late on as the visitors pushed forward looking for a way back into the game but his shot was kept out by Chelsea No1 Kepa Arrizabalaga. Explaining the short time window involved in his quick turnaround to make Scotland training on Sunday, he explained to the Daily Record: “It was on Saturday night when I took the call. I was in Spain on holiday. I got the call about 9pm and I had to fly back at 7.50am the next morning. I had to get back for training at midday on Sunday.
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"In fairness, it is Scotland and I would do anything to play for my country. Just to get another cap and to get on for the final minutes was absolutely amazing. Even if I hadn’t got on, just to have been part of the squad for such a big win would have been amazing. It is something that will live with me forever.”
On his chance on the counter-attack, he added: "My cousin sent me my chance after the game. I watched it back about ten times hoping that it would eventually go in but it never did.
“Callum McGregor did brilliantly on the counter-attack and put a ball through. I got my shot away but it took a deflection.
“On any other night it might have sneaked under the keeper but he made a save and it wasn’t to be. The win was the most important thing.”
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