‘My heart lies with Australia’ - Dykes responds to reports he favours Scotland

Would-be Socceroo Lyndon Dykes has distanced himself from reports claiming he has pledged his international future to Scotland, insisting that his "heart lies with Australia".

Lyndon Dykes celebrates a goal for Livingston Source: Getty Images

Livingston’s Gold Coast-born and bred striker has Scottish parents and, after five goals in 15 games in all competitions this season, is on the radar of both nations.

A report this week in the Scottish Sun claimed the 24-year-old had closed the door on Australia and instead committed himself to Scotland.

But Dykes told The World Game he is still open to playing for either country, with Australia his clear preference.

“If a choice (between the two) is ever put before me then it would be Australia I’d go for; that’s really where my heart lies,” Dykes said.

“I was born there and would obviously favour Australia if there were offers on the table from both.

“But if (only) Scotland wanted me of course I’d be very interested in trying to do a job for them.

“I’m not trying to cut off either one at this stage. Scotland is a great country also and perhaps there might be an option there in the future.

“But neither one is there right now and I need to keep working away trying to improve my game to one day hopefully get noticed.”

Steve Clarke-led Scotland are still in with a shout of qualifying for UEFA Euro 2020. Victory in a one-off play-off with Israel on March 26 will set up a do-or-die trip to Norway or Serbia five days later.

Australia, meanwhile, are on course to reach the final phase of World Cup qualifying for Qatar 2022 after four successive wins.

Fighting his way back to form and fitness in the Scottish Premiership after a niggling ankle ligament injury, Dykes said that if his performances weren’t up to scratch then there wouldn’t be any future decisions to make on his international allegiance.

“At this point, it’s vital for me to focus on my club football and do well there,” he said.

“I need to be playing well each week and then maybe international (football) might follow on from that.

“There’s no decision to make at the moment but there are no offers yet from Australia or Scotland.

“But of course I’d like to play international football one day.”