'I'll need a lot more goals' - Bowie on battle for Scotland place

Hibs striker Bowie has scored six goals in four games against Dundee

"He's got a massive journey ahead of him," said head coach David Gray of Kieron Bowie after the Hibernian striker's display in Saturday's 2-0 win over Dundee.

Whether that journey includes a place at next summer's World Cup remains to be seen, but a goal and assist at Easter Road was a timely reminder of what the 23-year-old has to offer.

Bowie made his Scotland debut from the bench in a June friendly against Liechtenstein.

He kept his place in the squad after national team boss Steve Clarke witnessed him scoring a special goal against Partizan Belgrade that would not have been out of place among the incredible strikes raining in at Hampden on Tuesday as the long wait for a World Cup place came to an end.

There was another late cameo against Belarus but Clarke left him out for the clinching games against Greece and Denmark.

And that leaves Bowie playing catch-up on those who were involved in the thrilling 4-2 triumph over the Danes.

"Obviously everyone wants to play for their nation," said Bowie when asked about the prospect of going to a World Cup.

"I've managed to do that a couple of times, but that would be another level and hopefully a bonus that might happen.

"I'll need a lot more goals. If I do the basics well, the goals will come."

Bowie had gone nine games without scoring prior to the visit of Dundee and it looked like that barren run might continue as he spurned two close-range opportunities.

However, the centre-forward shrugged off those misses to slam in the opener and later teed up Jamie McGrath for the second.

"The pleasing thing for me is he's back on the scoresheet and he keeps getting himself in those positions," said Gray.

"I believe there's a lot more to come from Kieron.

"It's not just goals that he brings to the team, there's the unselfish work he does that goes unseen at times."

Clarke demands a similar shift from his striker, with Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes often battling alone to hold up play for the supporting midfield cavalry.

George Hirst fits that bill too, while Lawrence Shankland made the most of his Scotland recall with a classic poacher's finish against Denmark.

Clarke is fiercely loyal and there may only be four forward slots available next summer, so it's up to Bowie and others on the fringes to catch the eye.

"Performances like today is what he needs to put in as regularly as he can," added Gray. "Scoring goals, affecting the game.

"And for all the young players in Scotland there is the carrot now of what could potentially be at the end of the season if you're doing well for your clubs with the World Cup coming up.

"He'll certainly benefit from that."