Shankland eyes World Cup after Scotland recall

Lawrence Shankland has his sights on next year's World Cup after returning to the Scotland squad for this month's qualifiers against Greece and Denmark.

The Hearts captain took his tally for the season to 10 goals in last weekend's 4-0 win over Dundee, which extended the Edinburgh club's Premiership lead to nine points.

The 30-year-old was overlooked for the first four games of Scotland's campaign, with a play-off place already assured after three wins and a draw.

"It's good to be back involved," said Shankland, who won the last of his 16 caps almost a year ago.

"Obviously it's been a wee while, now I'm back in, which I've done a few times to be fair.

"I've always found that if I'm in good form and scoring goals, I've had a shout at getting selected.

"I'm in a good place, the club's in a good place."

Shankland was chosen for Euro 2024, appearing as a late substitute in all three group games for Steve Clarke's side.

"I've had a taste of a major tournament and to go and be involved with Scotland at the World Cup is obviously an ambition," he added. "Hopefully we can go and do that."

A win or a draw in Athens followed by victory over Denmark at Hampden would earn Scotland top spot in Group C and automatic qualification.

Shankland is joined in the squad by Tynecastle team-mate Craig Gordon, who is likely to add to his 81 caps despite not playing a first-team game this season.

"He'll be ready," he said of the veteran goalkeeper. "He's shown that in the past when he's not been playing and he's been required be that either at club or international level.

"He trains properly, keeps himself right and, if he's called upon, I'm confident we're ready to go."