Gold Coast Football: Lydon Dykes made his international debut for Scotland this month and scored his first goal this week

A Gold Coast born footballer has officially made his mark on the global football stage. But one coach knew he was a star long before he made his international debut. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW.

GOLD-Coast born footballer Lyndon Dykes has officially made his mark on the global football stage, scoring his first international goal for Scotland.

Dykes used to play in the Gold Coast Premier League and represented Mudgeeraba, Merrimac and Surfers Paradise before making the move overseas to further his career.

The QPR FC striker levelled against a makeshift Czech Republic side during Tuesday’s Group B2 UEFA Nations League clash in Olomouc before Scotland secured a 2-1 win.

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The goal caps off an incredible month for the 24-year-old after he turned his back on the Socceroos to pursue an international career with Scotland, earned his first international cap and secured a $3.5 million transfer from Livingston, the Scottish Club where he has enjoyed a breakout season, to English Championships outfit Queens Park Rangers.

Dykes declared late last year his loyalty lied with Australia but his recent move to London prompted a change of heart as he attempts to establish himself as a starting player for Scotland.

Selecting his Gold Coast Premier League team of the decade earlier this year, Southport coach Rob Semple said he was lucky to witness Dykes at the peak of his powers.

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“He scored a hat trick against us in the BLK cup and you could easily see he was destined for greater things,” Semple said.

In Round 9 Gold Coast Premier League action, Dykes’ former club Surfers Paradise will host Nerang, Coomera play Burleigh Heads, Robina verse Broadbeach United and league leaders Palm Beach host Southport.

NPL News: Knights on a crusade to create momentum

FRESH off returning to the winners circle, the Gold Coast Knights are determined to make it two in a row when they host the Brisbane Strikers on Saturday night.

Last weekend, in their first match since parting ways with head coach Grae Piddick, the Knights had a 3-1 victory over Capalaba at John Fredericks Park.

Strikes from Harrison Sawyer and Max Brown and an own goal secured the win, which sees the Knights just three points behind the Lions FC with two games in hand.

Speaking post-match, caretaker head coach, Adem Poric said he was proud of the character shown by his side in Saturday’s match.

“We’ve closed the gap with Lions beating Power and we’re right back in it,” he said.

“The boys were a little bit low on confidence after a few results that didn’t go their way, they’ve had a big shift in the club this week.’’

Gold Coast United will be hoping to return to the winners’ circle after two consecutive draws, including a midweek 3-3 clash with Capa­laba.

United hosts Olympic FC on Saturday afternoon.