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ALLY MCCOIST TELLS LAWRENCE SHANKLAND TO STOP HABIT THAT COULD COST SCOTLAND THE WORLD CUP
Scotland legend Ally McCoist has issued a passionate warning to in-form striker Lawrence Shankland ahead of the nation’s long-awaited return to the World Cup, insisting there is one habit the Rangers forward must cut out immediately if Steve Clarke’s side are to have any chance of making history this summer.
Shankland heads into the tournament in the form of his life. The 30-year-old has scored repeatedly during Scotland’s World Cup preparations, finding the net against both Curaçao and Bolivia and strengthening his claim to be Steve Clarke’s first-choice striker. His recent move to Rangers has only added to the growing sense that this could be the tournament where he finally establishes himself as Scotland’s leading frontman.
But while McCoist has praised Shankland’s finishing ability, the former Scotland striker believes there is one aspect of his game that could prove costly against World Cup opposition.
According to McCoist, Shankland has developed a tendency to become frustrated after missing chances, often spending precious moments appealing, gesturing or dwelling on opportunities that have gone begging rather than immediately focusing on the next phase of play.
And with Scotland preparing to face Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in a group where every moment could be decisive, McCoist believes that mentality must change.
“At this level you don’t get many chances,” McCoist reportedly told pundits during World Cup discussions. “The best strikers miss opportunities and move on instantly. You cannot waste energy thinking about the one you’ve just missed because the next chance might arrive five seconds later.”
The warning comes despite Shankland enjoying a remarkable few weeks. His goals have helped transform the mood around the Scotland camp, with confidence soaring after convincing victories in the warm-up matches. Many pundits now believe the striker has played his way ahead of several rivals in the race for a starting place.
McCoist has already urged Scotland to show greater ambition than they displayed at recent European Championships, arguing that simply participating is no longer enough for a nation that waited 28 years to return to football’s biggest stage.
That ambition will rely heavily on Shankland.
The former Hearts captain has become one of Scotland’s most reliable sources of goals. His instincts inside the penalty area have earned widespread praise from former players and coaches alike, with many arguing that his ability to convert half-chances makes him indispensable in tournament football.
Yet World Cups are often decided by the smallest details.
A striker who allows frustration to creep into his game can quickly lose concentration. Against elite opponents, that split-second lapse can be the difference between scoring and heading home early.
Fortunately for Scotland supporters, Shankland appears determined to embrace the challenge. Speaking recently from the national team’s training base, he stressed the importance of remaining focused and keeping club matters out of his thoughts as the World Cup approaches. He has repeatedly highlighted the positive atmosphere within the squad and his growing understanding with fellow forwards.
That is exactly what McCoist wants to hear.
The Scotland legend knows better than most what it means to carry the hopes of a nation at a major tournament. And while he clearly believes Shankland can be one of the stars of the World Cup, he also knows that the margins between success and failure are razor thin.
If Scotland are to spring a surprise this summer and finally break their long-standing tournament hoodoo, McCoist believes their leading striker must keep his emotions in check, forget missed opportunities instantly and stay locked in from first whistle to last.
Because at a World Cup, the next chance could be the one that changes everything.
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