Euro 2024 warm-up: Gibraltar vs Scotland – Clarke takes ‘two or three days’ to ponder Dykes replacement

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke will take “two or three days” to decide whether to call up a replacement for Lyndon Dykes.

The Queens Park Rangers forward, 28, injured his ankle landing in training and will not feature at Euro 2024.

The Scots face Gibraltar in Monday’s friendly in Portugal before hosting Finland on Friday. They then open the tournament against hosts Germany on 14 June and will also play Hungary and Switzerland in Group A.

“I’ve given myself two or three days just to think about it,” Clarke said of replacing Dykes.

“There is no like for like replacement for Lyndon because he brings his own qualities. I don’t really believe in like for like. Lyndon brings his qualities. Obviously, we haven’t got them.

“I’ll have a little look around, I’ll decide what to do with the squad and we’ll go from there.”

Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland are recognised central forwards in the initial squad Clarke named for June’s fixtures, while Ben Doak, James Forrest and Ryan Christie have experience playing across the front line.

Striker Tommy Conway is with the Scotland Under-21 squad for their friendly matches against Turkey and Austria.

And, when asked if he would look to the under-21 player pool, Clarke responded: “Possibly, possibly but that’s not necessarily what I would do.”

Dykes has nine goals in 36 Scotland appearances, having been given his senior international debut by Clarke in 2020.

“We’re all really disappointed for Lyndon, obviously,” Clarke said.

“He’s been a good player for us, a pivotal player. Grateful for what he’s done up until now, sad that he misses this tournament but look forward to working with him again in the future.

“No contact, just the way he landed, way he fell on it. It happens, unfortunately.”