PRESSURE AT HEARTS WON’T BOTHER ME, INSISTS SHANKLAND
LAWRENCE SHANKLAND says he is heading into the new season inspired by the greater expectations of new club Hearts and hopeful of realising his dream of a Scotland recall. The striker last played for his country almost two years ago and the last 12 months’ toils in Belgium with Beerschot, where he even played right wing-back in a struggling team that was eventually relegated, did not help his international aspirations. However, whilst his immediate goal is simply returning to top form with Hearts, the former Aberdeen and Dundee United marksman has confessed he would love to catch Scotland boss Steve Clarke’s eye in doing so. Tynecastle manager Robbie Neilson is confident he can get the best out of Shankland, whom he coached at United, and the striker is relishing being the focus of the team’s attack as he prepares for a competitive debut at home to Ross County today. ‘That is the kind of pressure you have to accept as a striker,’ said Shankland when asked about the task of becoming Hearts’ centre-forward. ‘I was glad to get the opportunity to become Hearts’ No 9. Hearts’ success last season brings pressure for this season. There is an expectation for us to go and win these games.’ Addressing his international chances of a recall, Shankland added: ‘In the last couple of years I’ve dropped out of (the Scotland squad), but there are always people who have got back in eventually. ‘First and foremost, I’ll look to come here and do well for the club. If I’m doing well here, then that reward will always be there.’