As Scotland gears up for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Greece in Athens, striker Lyndon Dykes conveys a strong sense of confidence, asserting that the team is well-prepared to manage the mounting pressure.

The upcoming matchup marks a crucial double-header for Scotland. A draw against Greece on Saturday night would set the stage for a decisive showdown with Denmark at Hampden on Tuesday—an encounter that could secure their place in the World Cup.

Scotland’s squad, under the leadership of Steve Clarke, is on the brink of ending a long-standing drought, aiming to be the first team from the nation to make it to a World Cup since 1998.

Reflecting on their journey, the 30-year-old Dykes expressed pride in the team’s achievements thus far. “We’ve done great to secure a play-off spot,” he remarked. As the crucial game approaches, he anticipates some nerves within the squad, acknowledging the enormity of the task ahead.

Nevertheless, Dykes remains unfazed by the pressure, citing the squad’s experience in high-stakes scenarios. “The players we have are accustomed to significant games,” he noted. “Pressure is part of this sport, and we embrace it. The tension during the Serbia game, which secured our Euro 2020 qualification, was immense, but we overcame it as a team.”

Lyndon Dykes believes this Scotland side have proved they can rise to the big occasion

Dykes scores the late goal against Greece that completed a remarkable comeback last month

Dykes and the rest of the Scotland squad prepare to travel to Turkey for their training camp

‘Pressure comes in this sport, so you take that. The Serbia game [to qualify for Euro 2020] seems a long time ago now, but the pressure on that game was massive and we got through it as a team.

‘Ever since that situation and that moment, we’ve kind of grown from there. We know we can always get through things as a team.

‘Though the squad’s changed a little bit from there, we’ve still got some of those players. That’s the core of the Scotland squad and the Scottish nation — when we’re all together and we’re all aligned, we get things done.

‘Since I’ve come into this team, I’ve been confident of the squad, confident of all the players. These international games are difficult but I truly believe what we have as a team gets us over the line.

‘The Serbia game a few years ago was very special to me and a lot of other boys, but we didn’t have any crowd there.

‘Being at a full Hampden with all the supporters, and knowing if we get a result we go to the World Cup, it would definitely top it.

Dykes says the chance to qualify for the World Cup at a sold-out Hampden would be tantalising

‘It would be great to go to Hampden against Denmark knowing exactly what we need to do. But we’ve got a job to do against Greece first and foremost.

‘We didn’t play our best against them last month but still won the game. That ultimately builds momentum, which is what you always want in football.’

Dykes scored Scotland’s third goal in stoppage time when they beat Greece 3-1 at Hampden last month in what as a classic smash-and-grab performance from Clarke’s side.

He came close to a loan move to Hibs towards the end of the summer transfer window, only for his parent club Birmingham City to pull the plug after failing to reach an agreement about his wages.

Dykes has largely been on the periphery at the English Championship side, but he insists he’s fit and raring to go if called upon by Clarke.

‘I feel good,’ said the target man, who has won 46 caps for Scotland. ‘I had a bit of an injury at the end of last season. But I went through all of pre-season and this whole season so far injury-free.

Dykes has only featured sporadically for Birmingham this term but insists he is fitter than ever

‘I feel really strong, really fit, really confident. I haven’t started many games but that’s not my decision. You have to change your mindset a bit to still be 100-per-cent committed.

‘I’ve got little game time in the Championship this year from what I’ve been used to in previous years but I’m still trying to do my best.

‘I’ve scored a couple of goals to get points for Birmingham, scored recently for Scotland as well. Getting a little bit older now, I’ve come to a different place mentally as well.

‘I feel strong in my mind and strong in my body and when they both connect, I feel in a good place. In professional sport, if you’re mentally strong, you can perform.’