Steve Clarke namechecks striker who could replace Lyndon Dykes at Euros

STEVE CLARKE has been left with some huge decisions to make ahead of Euro 2024 after being dealt with a major injury crisis in the lead up to the tournament.

And things went from bad to worse for the Tartan Army boss after Lyndon Dykes was ruled out of the trip to Germany following a nasty knock in training at Lesser Hampden last week.

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Dykes, 28, has been a key player for the former Kilmarnock gaffer ever since his debut in 2020, scoring nine goals in 36 appearances following his first outing against Israel four years ago.

But the manager will need to continue with his plans without the QPR man – along with fellow crocked stars Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson and Lewis Ferguson – after his latest setback.

It leaves Clarke with just Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams as his only out-and-out strikers currently in his provisional squad.

The manager is expected to make a last-ditch move for another forward to replace Dykes – but the question is, who will he call upon?

Well, several players have been tipped, including previous call ups Ross Stewart and Kevin Nisbet.

Former Rangers star Ryan Hardie, who scored 12 goals in the English Championship with Plymouth Argyle this season, is another option but he has never been given the nod by Clarke before.

However, there’s another player who is perhaps the favourite to get the call.

And while he has never featured in any of the manager’s squads previously, he is someone who the manager has been keeping a close eye on.

Bristol City striker Tommy Conway is seemingly the frontrunner to replace Dykes in Germany following his impressive campaign down south, where he netted 12 goals 31 starts in all competitions.

Two of those came against Premier League opposition as he netted his side’s only two goals in their huge FA Cup win over West Ham.

The 21-year-old scored at the London Stadium to force the third round clash to a replay in January, before firing home the winner in the 1-0 triumph in the second meeting just nine days later.

He would have caught the eyes of Clarke with those memorable goals but he was already on his radar following his standout performances alongside Ben Doak in the Under-21s team.

His goal in the friendly against Turkey tonight was his third goal in three consecutive games for the young Scots and Clarke was quizzed about the striker following the senior team’s 2-0 win over Gibraltar.

And the manager hinted that Conway be rewarded for his recent form with a spot on the plane to Germany in Dykes’ place.

He said: “Tommy’s done great and he’s certainly one who’s at the front of my mind.”

On replacing Dykes, he added: Dykes: “I have a relaxed day tomorrow. I’ll have a little think about it and have a chat with my staff.”

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Many Scotland fans also believe he should be the man to replace the QPR star after seeing him continue his goal-scoring form with the youth side tonight.

Reacting to his goal on social media, one punter wrote: “Sub him off at half time and get him on a plane back to Glasgow.”

Another said: “Got to be worth a shot in place of Dykes.”

While a third insisted: “He better get called up.”

Speaking in March, Conway revealed he WILL be at the Euros – whether as a [player or just a fan.

He said: “Will I go as a fan if I’m not there as a player? Yeah, definitely. Scott’s driving from Bristol to Germany with his brother.

“I’ll be there as a player or as a supporter. I’ll be out on the streets  singing the songs!

“Of course, you have to dream about making it there as a player, though. That’s what it’s all about.

“If it’s not this one then it’s the next one. World Cups, Euros. Let’s dream big, and let’s take Scotland to the World Cup and Euros and do well there.

“But you can only get there by doing well at club level, so my focus is on finishing the season as best I can.

“If I go on a scoring run I can be in the eyeline of the manager and his staff.

“If I got a call-up then great, it would be a proud moment. But if not then it won’t be the end of the world, there will be plenty more tournaments in the future  to look forward to.”

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