Lyndon Dykes reveals Scotland striker's union is as tight as they come as he targets catching McGinn in scoring stakes

The word impact should never be far from the conversation when it comes to Lyndon Dykes’ career.

Ask any Championship defender south of the border and they’ll likely testify to the QPR hitman’s ability to make his mark. And in more ways than one. The effect he’s had on the Scottish national team since Steve Clarke won an international tug of war that stretched right to the other side of the world should never be underestimated either. Twenty-seven caps, eight goals and a first major finals in 23 years all within the space of just over two years.

No wonder Clarke moved heaven and earth to get the striker on board to solve his striker shortage just months before qualification was clinched for the last Euros. Up until that point the dark blue number nine shirt was being passed round like a badly fitting hand-me-down with Oli McBurnie, Matt Phillips, Oli Burke and Eamonn Brophy all trying it for size.

The country was crying out for a dominant frontman. And Dykes duly answered the call. The 6ft 2in powerhouse says himself he’s been driven on by a desire to be that striker the country so badly needed.

Again his impact was felt when he came off the bench to replace the injured Che Adams for the last 34 minutes of Saturday’s 3-0 win over Cyprus. Dykes proved his pneumonia battle was in the past as he chased, fought and produced a superb cushioned header for Scott McTominay to rattle home the much-needed second goal.

With Adams ruled out the 27-year-old is expected to get the nod to lead the line against Spain this evening. But whether it’s starting as lead frontman or a support role off the bench the Aussie-born striker insists he will always give everything to prove he’s the striker Scotland have craved for years.

Dykes said: