Shankland 'staying ready' for Scotland recall

Lawrence Shankland has not given up on his World Cup dream despite missing out on the current squad poised to face Greece and Belarus in European qualifying Group C.

Steve Clarke decided to stick with the same strikers who helped his side draw in Denmark and win away to Belarus in last month's opening games of the campaign.

As the Scotland squad prepare to host Greece on Thursday, Hearts striker Shankland was picking up his Scottish Premiership player of the month award.

It was reward for scoring three goals in two games during September to become the league's top marksman this season - and the leading scorer over the 12 years since the SPFL was established - while helping his side to the top of the table.

Asked if he was especially disappointed not to be in Clarke's current squad given those facts, Shankland told Sky Sports: "You always want to be involved if you can.

"Obviously there's a World Cup not too far round the corner as well, so hopefully the boys can keep getting the results.

"I'll keep doing what I do at club level and hopefully if the opportunity arises again then you just stay ready for it.

"Everybody who is Scottish around the world would want to be at a World Cup.

"I have had the experience of being at the Euros and stuff in the last campaign and you just stay ready and keep doing what you do for your club."