The Scotland cap reckons he’s doing his job well if transfer talk continues to swirl around him.
Lawrence Shankland believes rumours linking him with a January move to Hearts proves he’s at the top of his game.
But the Jambos captain swears he will not let the gossip mill derail his form after his side’s sensational 2-0 win at Celtic Park on Saturday, which brought his domestic record to 13 goals.
Shankland has been linked with both sides of the Old Firm, but Hearts insist no approach for the 28-year-old has been made so far. Indeed, Tynecastle chief executive Andrew McKinlay stated at last week’s AGM that the club hoped to begin negotiations with the skipper, who has 18 months left on his present contract, in the new year. Scotland’s striker displayed all of his predatory skills once more.
qualities in front of the watching national team bosses Steve Clarke and John Carver as he headed home the opening goal at Celtic Park on Saturday.
That made it seven goals in his last nine games as Hearts climb back into third and the hitman is on course to break the 20-goal mark for the second season running having netted 28 times in the last campaign.
When asked about the growing conjecture, the former Dundee United and Aberdeen striker responded, “It’s a sign you’re doing well when there’s speculation, that’s what I take from it.” It’s always been the case throughout my career, there’s always been a lot of speculation.
“It shows that I’m doing a good job and scoring goals.” That’s all I care about: doing my work for Hearts well.”
Shankland’s 15th- minute header from Jorge Grant’s corner means the forward has now netted at Celtic Park, at Ibrox against Rangers and Hampden for Hearts this season while also scoring a late equaliser for Scotland in Georgia last month.
But Saturday’s was the first to result in a win, and Shankland acknowledges it was the nicest goal yet. “I was just focused on hitting the target,” he explained. When you’re free, it’s just a matter of hitting the objective.
“It’s always better to be winning.” That adds to its uniqueness. The boys should be pleased with their performance. It’s been a long time since Hearts have triumphed here. You have to relish those times, and we deserved to.”
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