Former Scotland forward Darren Jackson has questioned Celtic and Rangers decision not to sign Lyndon Dykes from Livingston before he joined QPR.

The R's striker played a starring role for Scotland in World Cup qualifiers over the weekend – scoring vital goals in the 3-2 win against Israel and the 1-0 victory against the Faroe Islands.

Dykes has been in fine form for his club as well in 2021, scoring four times in nine Championship games this season after finishing the 2020/21 campaign with seven goals and four assists in the last 10 games.

The 26-year-old made the move south of the border to QPR in the summer of 2020 after impressing with first Queen of the South and then Livingston.

It cost the west London club around £2 million to prize Dykes away from the SPFL outfit and, speaking to Sky Sports, Jackson has questioned why neither Celtic nor Rangers were first to him.

When asked if he was surprised that the forward has scored six goals in his first 20 Scotland appearances, he said: "Not really. I raved about him when I went to watch him at Livingston.

"I was surprised he didn't move to one of the Old Firm but they chose not to take him and he's gone down south.

"He's not just a bit striker, he's mobile, he's quick, he holds it in well."

He added: "His movement in the box is good and that's shown in the goals he's scored. I think he's a fantastic player."

The Verdict

Given we've become used to seeing either Celtic or Rangers snap up the best players in the SPFL, it was a surprise not to see Dykes join either of the Old Firm clubs.

The Scotland international is unlikely to regret his decision as he's become a trusted figure under Mark Warburton and looks set to play an important role in the R's promotion push this season.

He's now scored four in his last four for his country and if he can find that sort of consistency again in the Championship, it would be massive for his side's hopes of reaching the Premier League this term.

If they can do that and Scotland secure their place in next year's World Cup, 2021 will have been some year for the 26-year-old.