LAWRENCE Shankland has played down growing fears about Scotland’s lengthening injury list ahead of Euro 2024 and insisted the national team will be competitive in Germany whoever is in the squad.
Tartan Army footsoldiers are currently sweating over the fitness of Scott McTominay - who scored seven goals during qualifying as Steve Clarke’s men booked their place in the finals with two Group A games to spare.
The Manchester United midfielder had to be helped to leave the field by physios late on during his side’s 1-1 draw with their Premier League rivals Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday.
McTominay posted an update on Instagram last night and stressed the problem was "nothing serious".
But there are already doubts about the availability of Stuart Armstrong, Jacob Brown, Grant Hanley, Aaron Hickey, Ryan Jack, Nathan Patterson and Kieran Tierney while Lewis Ferguson has been ruled out of the tournament.
READ MORE: Lawrence Shankland reveals why clubs may not want to sign him
But Shankland, the Hearts captain who has scored 29 goals for club and country in the 2023/24 campaign and was yesterday named among the contenders for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award, is certain Scotland have the strength and depth they need in every department to cope with any absentees.
"Over the time I have been involved, I think the manager has used a lot of the squad for different games,” said the nine times-capped striker.
“When people have gone in they haven't let us down. So everybody in the squad is good competition and wants to start games.
“If you have that level of competition and if anybody misses out - and I hope they don't and they make full recoveries - I am sure the squad will be ready."
The 28-year-old forward was involved in Scotland’s friendlies against the Netherlands and Northern Ireland last month and is sure to be named in Steve Clarke’s squad for Euro 2024 if he remains fit.
There is much debate among supporters about who should start up front for the national team in the Group A matches against Germany, Switzerland and Hungary – Che Adams of Southampton, Lyndon Dykes of Queens Park Rangers or Shankland.
READ MORE: Scott McTominay issues injury update to allay Scotland fears
The Hearts player is focusing solely on maintaining his form in the final four cinch Premiership games of the season – starting with the meeting with top flight leaders Celtic at Parkhead on Saturday - and ensuring he is on the plane to Germany in June.
"First and foremost you want involved so hopefully I keep my form going until the end of the season and grab another couple of goals to make sure I am involved,” he said.
“The starting takes care of itself, there is a really strong squad there. Che and Lyndon have hit a bit of form recently so it's a good thing we have three strikers firing and it will be good competition."
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