Charlton Athletic star earns Scotland call-up amid Millwall and Leicester City transfer links

Charlton Athletic striker Lyndon Dykes has been named in the Scotland squad for upcoming international friendlies against Japan and the Ivory Coast at the end of March.

The 30-year-old made the move to The Valley in January in the hope of securing more playing time and boosting his chances for selection ahead of the World Cup this summer. Since then, he has made 12 appearances for the Addicks with two goals and three assists.

Dykes had become somewhat of a fringe player at Birmingham City prior to the move but his physicality and experience have proven invaluable for Nathan Jones’ side. Scotland host Japan at Hampden Park on Saturday, March 28 before then facing the Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday, March 31.

The forward has already earned 48 caps for Scotland, scoring 10 times. His last goal for the nation came in a World Cup qualifying match against Greece last October.

Confirmation of his place in the Scotland team comes just a week after Championship rivals Leicester City and Millwall had been credited with potential transfer interest in Dykes this summer.

Millwall and Leicester City ‘showed interest’ in Dykes before Charlton Athletic transfer

The Daily Mail reported that both the second tier sides ‘showed interest’ in January but were beaten to the transfer by the Addicks. The outlet suggests that interest in the player remains.

Dykes has made 188 appearances in the Championship and 100 appearances in the Scottish Championship but has never played in the Premier League. A move to The Den could offer the veteran talisman that opportunity.

The Lions sit fourth in the second tier after 38 outings, just two points off Middlesbrough and the automatic promotion places. Millwall are also a comfortable 11 points clear of Southampton in seventh.

Dykes spent four years at QPR between 2020 and 2024, scoring 37 goals in that time. The striker helped Birmingham City to a League One win last season. He has 10 goals in 48 appearances for Scotland.

Reflecting on his international ambitions in November, Dykes said: "I want to play as many games for Scotland as possible. I want to make as many tournaments as possible and obviously missing out on the Euros was a big blow.

"The way it happened as well, it really hurt a lot. I had to just do my best to get over it leading up to that because obviously it wasn't like the first Euros when we had the Serbia play-off.

"You don't know what's around the corner. Hopefully I can play my part for this team to get to the World Cup and be in the squad for the World Cup if we do make it."

In other news, QPR star who 'dazzled' Leicester City swaps international allegiance ahead of World Cup.