SHOOTING STARS
Shankland: Never mind Becks & Roo.. that was for Jim McLean Shankland’s screamer got our writers thinking about the greatest goal they have ever seen in the flesh
HIS wonder goal had shades of superstars David Beckham, Xabi Alonso and Wayne Rooney and could even see him challenge Kemar Roofe for the FIFA Puskas Award.
But for Lawrence Shankland there was only one legend of the game he was interested in following with his stunning strike – Tannadice icon Jim McLean.
Shankland netted a jaw-dropping 53-yarder to earn Dundee United a point in their Tayside derby against St Johnstone with his fourth goal of the season.
The 25-year-old admitted it was undoubtedly the best of his career and joked it tops other famous long range efforts from Beckham and Co.
But most importantly for the Scotland marksman it came on a night the club paid tribute to McLean in the first home game since his passing on Boxing Day, aged 83.
It was a night when supporters were badly missed as they were unable to play their part on such an emotional occasion or witness one of the best ever goals scored at the Tayside ground.
A special goal, for a special manager. Shankland said: “That goal can be for Jim McLean. We had the minute’s applause before the game and wore the T-shirts so that was a nice tribute to him.
“Obviously, it was an occasion for the club. We saw Jim’s funeral car go past Tannadice on Monday and it is a sad time for his family.”
Shankland has watched footage of some of the best long-range strikes over the years such as Beckham against Wimbledon, Alonso from his own half for Liverpool against Newcastle and Roofe’s against Standard Liege for Rangers this season.
Asked to pick the best, he said: “Aye, mine! You need to enjoy your own if you score one like that but I did see Kemar Roofe’s goal at the start of the season.
“Beckham kind of started the trend of having a go and (Xabi) Alonso has done it too. I wouldn’t put myself in that category of player but I was delighted to score.”
Shankland was determined to make up for an earlier missed chance and Zander Clark paid the price as the Saints keeper frantically backpedalled before ending up in the back of the net.
The striker had noted the keeper’s positioning earlier in the game and his moment was even sweeter as thet effort came right next to the home dugout. Shankland said: “It is probably my best goal.
“I had a few glances prior to that to see Clark’s positioning when the ball was up the park. That time I had a rough idea where he might be.”