BBC News.Why Lawrence Shankland is in and James Forrest is out as Scotland’s faith in misfiring Hearts striker explained.

Hearts captain Shankland, Scotland’s player of the year last season, is struggling for goals this season but remains in Clarke’s side.

Steve Clarke feels that by providing Lawrence Shanklanda some love and faith, the Hearts striker will return the favour. Despite just scoring once in 16 games for his club this season, the Jambos captain was chosen one of four forwards to Clarke’s Scotland team yesterday. And, with the head coach revealing that Che Adams is a big doubt for the Nations League double header against Croatia and Poland after limping off for Torino on Sunday, Shankland’s chances of playing could grow. The 29-year-old has suffered a significant dip in performance from last season, when he scored 32 goals for club and country and was crowned Scotland’s player of the year.

He withdrew from last month’s squad, which lost to Croatia and drew with Portugal, due to a hamstring injury. However, he is back in Clarke’s thoughts for a critical week that might decide Scotland’s League A future. And the manager stated, “I think I’ve always shown I’m very loyal to players who have done well for the country.” Lawrence has done well for us. “He is having a more difficult season, but that is to be expected. You must dig in, work hard, and persevere in order to succeed. At this point, he probably needs people to have some faith in him.

“Hopefully, he’ll get the reward, and we might get it as well. Lawrence was unable to participate in much of last camp due to a minor hamstring ailment. I’ll have a pleasant conversation with him this time and tell him I still adore him!” Clarke, who welcomes John McGinn, Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry, and Tommy Conway back from injury, revealed Adams would be evaluated after suffering a thigh injury in Torino’s defeat to Fiorentina on Sunday. But if the 28-year-old is forced to miss out, Clarke will not feel obligated to bring up a replacement.

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