Lawrence Shankland has transformed from hesitant prospect to Scotland's most clinical finisher in years. Steven Naismith, now Steve Clarke's assistant but once Shankland's manager at Hearts, recalls a telling moment in Amsterdam before Euro 2024 when the striker passed up a clear shooting chance for Scott McTominay instead of taking responsibility. That moment captured Shankland's early uncertainty at international level.

Since then, the 30-year-old has exploded onto the scene with remarkable efficiency. He netted 24 goals in 38 games last season and currently boasts one goal every 43 minutes of international football - a staggering return that ranks among Scotland's best in decades. His recent purple patch includes 10 goals in his last 12 appearances, plus crucial strikes against Denmark and Curacao.

Shankland's journey through Scottish football's lower tiers - Queen's Park, Dunfermline, Ayr United where mentor Ian McCall helped unlock his potential - reads like a textbook case of late bloomers. After struggling at Beerschot and having a quiet 2024-25 with Hearts, his summer move to Rangers finally feels like the right fit.

With Scotland's attack suddenly dangerous and Shankland turning 31 in August, his emergence provides the natural finishing touch they've lacked. The striker who once doubted his place now knows he belongs at the highest level - timing that could define Scotland's World Cup campaign.