Lawrence Shankland: Scotland call-up for Dundee United striker

Dundee United’s Lawrence Shankland has been rewarded for his sparkling start to the season with a call-up for Scotland’s Euro 2020 qualifiers against Russia and San Marino.

Striker Shankland, 24, has scored 13 times in seven Scottish Championship games since signing from Ayr United.

He becomes the first second-tier player to be called up since John McGinn – then at Hibernian – in 2017.

Sheffield United’s John Fleck has also been named in Steve Clarke’s squad.

Midfielder Fleck, 28, receives a third senior international call-up after some impressive performances for the Premier League newcomers.

He was set to feature against Cyprus and Belgium in June but was unavailable because he was getting married.

Attacker Oliver Burke also returns to the squad, having scored once in three La Liga appearances on loan at Alaves from West Brom.

However, forwards Matt Phillips and Steven Naismith and midfielder Stuart Armstrong drop out of the squad selected for September’s games with Russia and Belgium.

Furthermore, Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney will not be involved after missing Monday’s draw with Manchester United.

Tierney, 22, has played just once since moving from Celtic in a £25m deal in August after having undergone a double-hernia operation in May.

Scotland visit Russia on 10 October and host San Marino three days later.

Clarke’s side are fifth in Group I after two wins and four defeats in their opening six games, with Russia on 15 points in second place, three behind Belgium.

However, even though their chances of qualification through the group have faded, they can still make the finals via next year’s play-offs after winning their Uefa Nations League group last year.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Craig MacGillivray (Portsmouth), David Marshall (Wigan Athletic), Jon McLaughlin (Sunderland)

Defenders: Liam Cooper (Leeds United), Michael Devlin (Aberdeen), Grant Hanley (Norwich City), Charlie Mulgrew (Wigan Athletic), Stephen O’Donnell (Kilmarnock), Liam Palmer (Sheffield Wednesday), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), Greg Taylor (Celtic)

Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Celtic), John Fleck (Sheffield United), Ryan Jack (Rangers), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Manchester United), Robert Snodgrass (West Ham)

Forwards: Oliver Burke (Alaves), James Forrest (Celtic), Ryan Fraser (AFC Bournemouth), Oliver McBurnie (Sheffield United), Johnny Russell (Sporting Kansas City), Lawrence Shankland (Dundee United)

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