He had just scored for Livingston against Celtic and bullied their £7million defender Christopher Jullien in the process.

The confidence was flowing through Lyndon Dykes and talk had begun about a possible Scotland call-up in the offing for the bustling striker.

So an ankle injury was the last thing he wanted, an unfortunate issue he did indeed pick up just a few short weeks later.

Livingston striker Lyndon Dykes reveals international preference

Livi lost 2-0 to Gers that day and Dykes was passed over by Scotland boss Steve Clarke for two Euro 2020 qualifiers against Cyprus and Kazakhstan.

A full cap for Scotland - or his native Australia - remains Dykes' ambition, though.

The Nations League play-off against Israel is next up on the Tartan Army's calendar and that's what the hit man is aiming for.

"There's obviously been some talk about [a Scotland call-up] and I actually thought I was doing quite well before I picked up an ankle injury against Rangers.

"That pushed me back a little bit, I missed a couple of games from that. 

"I've played through my injury and I'm still not fully at 100 per cent.

"But I'd love to play for Scotland or Australia. It is a goal of mine to get onto that stage.

Livingston manager Gary Holt urges Steve Clarke to call on Lyndon Dykes for Scotland

"People always ask me but I would love to play for Scotland. My boy was born in Scotland, my mum and dad are Scottish.

"I've got Scottish blood in me so I don't think I would ever hesitate to play for them.

"Hopefully the opportunity comes up, the next break is around March time and I'll be focused to try and get in on that.

"Maybe I'll be able to put on that blue jersey."

One player who did take his opportunity when it was presented to him is Dundee United front man Lawrence Shankland.

Lyndon Dykes aims to reach top level like gymnast sister Hollie

The Championship striker bagged his first international goal against San Marino after making his full debut against Russia in the previous fixture.

Dykes watched Shankland with interest in those games, knowing he was playing at a higher level domestically than the Terrors striker who has scored 20 goals in as many appearances this term.

But it wasn't with jealousy.

Instead, 24-year-old Dykes could only think how he'd be the perfect foil for natural goal scorer Shankland.

"I look at Shanks, I played against him when he was at Ayr and there's never been a doubt about his goal scoring," he added.

"I'm glad he got the call-up and maybe one day we might play together.

"I think I'm a player who can help players like him, natural goal scorers.

"I do well with players like that around me. But I just spend every day trying to get better and improving."

Dykes' performances this season have done plenty for his reputation and he hopes to continue building his credibility as a top player in Scotland.

English Championship clubs have already been credited with an interest in the ex-Queen of the South man - the likes of Derby County, Blackburn Rovers and Swansea among others.

Lyndon Dykes insists Livingston won’t change their physical approach after controversial Rangers clash

Rather than shirk the speculation or ignore the discussion, ambitious Dykes made it clear that he desperately fancies a crack at the big time.

Content at the Tony Macaroni Arena right now, the forward does harbour dreams that his name will be remembered and his talents respected.

And, put simply, he believes in his own ability and wants any scouts watching to believe, too.

"I have heard about interest and scouts watching me but my goal is to reach as high as I can," Dykes said.

"One day move onto a better league and a bigger team. But I want to prove week-in, week-out that I'm a player people want.

"I look at paper talk, which isn't always set in stone. But I want to make it happen, I'll always work hard to have a good career.

"I want people to remember my name and the player I was.

"Hopefully if I keep playing well, the sky is the limit."