Shanks tips United strike partner Appere for U-21 call
Lawrence Shankland has been hogging the headlines for both club and country this season.
But the Dundee United star reckons he’ll soon be sharing them with Louis Appere.
Both Shankland and Appere were on target against Inverness Caley Thistle on Friday night as United moved 21 points clear at the top of the Championship.
Both players’ finishes came straight from the top drawer.
And Shankland believes it’s only a matter of time until his 20-year-old strike partner gets Under-21 recognition.
He said: “I don’t see why Louis couldn’t make an impact if he does get in.
“He’s made a big impact for us this season.
“He’s got all the attributes to go and play at that level.
“Obviously, he is young and still learning and he’s new to this level of football.
“But to see him in his first season doing what he’s done so far, I think he’s been brilliant.
“There could be no complaints if he does get selected.
“Big Louis is just such a quiet guy round about the place.
“I was actually joking at pre-match on Friday. I’d said to him a few times before games, ‘I think you’re going to score…’ But this time I said, ‘I don’t think you’re going to score!’ So I tried a bit of reverse psychology, then he goes and scores with his second shot!
“Seriously, it was a terrific finish. I thought he was great all night and gave Inverness problems down the left-hand side. That’s what he’s good at.
“He’s willing to learn and that’s a good thing.
“He’ll give you an answer back if he feels he’s right, but he’s not one who goes and argues with you. He takes on what you say.
“I like that about him and I’m sure he’ll go on to have a right good career.”
With a 21-point advantage in the Championship title race, United look home and hosed.
But while Shankland recognises how big a result Friday night’s win over Inverness was, he insists the Tangerines won’t down tools.
“We knew how big the Inverness game was. They have two games in hand on us so this win takes one of them out of the equation,” he said.
“It was a big result. It opened up the gap because they were our closest rivals. That’s why there was such a big celebration.
“But we all know in the dressing room that it’s still nowhere near finished yet.”
Meanwhile, United sporting director Tony Asghar said last week that selling Shankland this summer was not essential to the club’s business plan.
Instead, he wants to see Robbie Neilson build a Premiership team around him.
The good news for Tangerines fans is that the message was music to Shankland’s ears.
“It’s always nice to hear that. You want to be part of the plans at any club,” he said.
“That’s what I aim towards every day by working hard.
“If I keep scoring goals, I’ll manage to keep myself in there.
“That’s the main thing for me and hopefully we can get this league won sooner rather than later.”