Micky Mellon reckons Scotland star Lawrence Shankland has completely transformed his game and now has all the attributes to become a top international player.
The Dundee United talisman, after an injury-hit start to his Premiership career, is now up to seven goals, along with QPR’s Lyndon Dykes but has seen him outshoot the likes of Leigh Griffiths, Oli McBurnie, Oliver Burke and Callum Paterson, who were all named in the last Scotland squad.
Clarke is set to name his latest international squad on Tuesday for this month’s World Cup ties with Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands.
Mellon said: “I am pleased that Lawrence is playing so well at an important time when the squad is about to be selected. That is a positive for him and Scotland.
“It has been a long time since we qualified. I am only a Scotland fan but that role would also be the ask for Scotland as well.
“He has done it against the best teams in this country, like Celtic and Rangers, and Scotland will be up against that sort of quality in the Euros.
“Lawrence has shown he has the quality and I don’t think he needs to show anyone that he can go and do that and play in that sort of role at that sort of level.”
Shankland was always been known for his goals but his United boss believes the step up to the Premiership has seen him adapt his game.
Mellon added: “Lawrence has done great in a developing team. He has been brilliant for us because he has changed his game to help us and himself.
“Some of his hold-up play and workrate maybe goes a wee bit unnoticed because everybody talks about his goals. Steve Clarke will know all about that side of Lawrence’s game as well.”
