14 hours ago 3

Dykes relishing 'once-in-a-lifetime' World Cup experience

Scotland's Lyndon Dykes says getting to the World Cup is "massive" for him and admits he "can't wait to get out there."

The striker missed out on the European Championship in Germany two years ago through injury.

"It's massive," said the 30-year-old. "It's the World Cup. Any boy dreaming to play football, that's the pinnacle of it. It's been a long time coming.

"I'm dying to get out there. I've been training really hard and staying focused and giving my all for my team, like I always do. So hopefully we can do well and get out of the group."

Born in Australia, Dykes came into football "much later" than most, and admits playing on the big stage never really came into his thoughts.

"My story's a little bit different to everyone else," he said. "When I came through at Queen of the South I wouldn't even imagine to be where I am now.

"So obviously getting to the World Cup and the whole world's watching, it's just a dream come true.

"I missed out on the Euros last time and it hurt a lot."

"I'm just going to soak it all up. Hopefully I can perform well for my team, for my country. I'm just going to take it in and enjoy it because it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Dykes says much of Scotland's recent success is down to head coach Steve Clarke, who earlier this week signed a new four-year contract extension.

"He's been great," he said. "He's been my manager since I first came in, all the way to 51 caps.

"He's been the driving force to where we are now. We've achieved one thing and then we've achieved the next and we just keep rolling on. Now he wants us to be history makers.

"We want to get out of the group. But it comes down to him and what he's built in this team."

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