Shankland will be Premiership hit says Smith

DUNDEE United defender Liam Smith insists they are lucky to have Lawrence Shankland and believes the hitman is in no rush to leave Tannadice.

Smith and Shankland were team-mates at Ayr prior to winning the Championship title with United last term.

Shankland notched 28 goals in 33 games for the Terrors over the course of the campaign and right-back Smith was not surprised he hit the ground running.

“I am not surprised at all because I had seen it the whole season before at Ayr,” the 24-yearold said.

“Even before that he had a great record and was a regular goalscorer. It is vital that you have somebody who can put the ball in the net.

“We know if we set up chances then nine times out of 10 he would put the ball in the net.

“Every successful team has a goalscorer and we are lucky to have him.”

Former Hearts man Smith thinks Shanks’ achievements last season vindicated his decision to sign on at Tannadice.

“People were surprised when he signed for Dundee United,” he continued.

“He was linked with a lot of big clubs down south but I don’t think anybody can really doubt his decision now.

“If he had gone to England then he might not have got the recognition he has this season at Tannadice with Scotland caps, his goals and now a Championship trophy.”

Speculation over the Scotland striker’s future has been rife but Smith is confident he is going nowhere.

And Smith should know best, having had a hand in negotiating his switch to the Terrors in the first place.

“Yes, the manager was on the phone to me and then I was calling Lawrence,” he explained.

“I am still waiting for my commission from the move!”

Of the speculation Shankland could move on, he added: “It might be a concern for the manager but, from a personal point of view, you want to see your team-mates do well.