Lyndon Dykes on 'following heart' for Scotland & mentality shift

After missing the chance to break the record, Lyndon is itching to get back on the goal trail.

Colin Stein scored in four successive internationals in 1969.

He has not played in the last three games because of injury and suspension, but he is ready to play on Tuesday.

I was so focused on beating that record that I missed them.

Scotland finished in a World Cup play-off spot behind group winners Denmark, thanks to the goals of former Livingston and Queen of the South forward Greg Dykes.

He has six goals for Scotland and is hungry for more.

• Robertson & Dykes back for Scotland

'I see myself as Scottish'

A return to fitness coincides with Scotland's trip to Vienna, as the Queens Park Rangers forward has been absent for seven games with a hamstring problem.

He has enjoyed every moment of his 18 months on the job and an appearance would take his cap tally to 21.

It could have been very different for the Australia-born forward, who had to decide between representing his homeland or Scotland, where both of his parents are from.

I followed my heart and chose Scotland. My wife and son are both Scottish.

I know my accent doesn't sound like it, but I have grown up in that area and been around Scots when I was younger. I had to follow my head and heart. I never will regret the decision.

'Scotland mentality has changed'

Reflecting on his first Scotland call-up, Dykes recalled a dark cloud over the national team.

After reaching Euro 2020 and earning a World Cup play-off spot last year, the side have ended a 23-year absence from major tournaments.

Although he was playing second-tier football in Scotland in the middle of the year, Dykes was an inspiration to many and he wants to point the finger at the manager.

A lot of people thought that Scotland could not change their mentality. He helped change the mentality of Scottish football.

We had to get out of the slump. I have high praise for him. He is a good guy and you want to play for him. I think our squad is dangerous and teams will be aware of it.