Shanks a bunch
Lawrence and I scored load for Ayr and can do same at Tynecastle says Forrest
ALAN FORREST would love Lawrence Shankland to team up with him again at Hearts.
Boss Robbie Neilson is understood to be interested in a reunion with the former Dundee United striker as he looks to bolster his firepower ahead of a campaign featuring European football.
Shankland’s club Beerschot are adamant the Scotland international is not for sale, so there’s a way to go before any potential deal is done.
But if it does happen, a once productive partnership could be revived.
Forrest and Shankland spent two years together at Ayr and scored 74 goals between them. The majority of those were Shankland’s but Forrest provided eight assists.
Both have developed since, making the step up to the Premiership with United and Livingston respectively.
And Forrest is keen to team up with his old mate in the top flight. He said: “Definitely.
“I played with him for a couple of years at Ayr and he knew where the net was.
“He banged in 20-plus that season and it wasn’t just his goals. With his hold-up play, he can link players in.
“It was really good for me to link up with him.
“But there’s more to his game than goals. Although he knows where the net is, he’s not selfish.
“He can bring his wingers into play and he’s a really good team player with a lot of good attributes.
“I don’t know what the situation is with Hearts but if he came in, it would definitely be a good addition. I spoke to him last month but I wasn’t sure about his situation.
“I’m not sure if it’s progressed since then.
“After he made the step up from the Championship he was still scoring goals.
“He didn’t get as many as he did playing with Ayr but with that step up it’s different.
“He did really well at Dundee United. But he was really good to play with at Ayr and I don’t think there’d be any issue with him doing it at this level.”
Forrest is no top-flight rookie but knows he’s stepping up a level from Livingston.
In brother James he has someone to call on who knows all about the demands of playing for a big club. And
Forrest added: “Yeah, he was talking to me, my dad as well.
“My family all agreed and were on the same page as me. They were all buzzing I managed to get it over the line.”
The Terrors were also keen to land Forrest from Livi but on whether that came close to happening, Forrest said: “Not really. After speaking to the manager here, I had it in my head quite early on that I wanted to come.
“There was other interest but I felt this was the one for me.”
There’s nothing better for team bonding than a trip, with Neilson’s squad being put through their paces in Spain.
It also means the new boys have to show off their singing skills as Forrest, Lewis Neilson and Alex Cochrane had to pick a tune and go for it.
Forrest said: “I’m settling in. It’s good coming over here for the week and meeting the team. They’ve been very welcoming. We had to do our initiations on Friday night.
“I went with A Little Respect by Erasure. That’s it out the way now. Good to get it done early.”
Recruiting from Livingston has worked well for Hearts.
Craig Halkett is entering his fourth year in maroon and is an example the 25-year-old is keen to follow.
He added: “Craig had a good few years at Livingston, has made the step up and done really well. He’s in and about the Scotland set-up and that just shows you how well he’s performed.
“That’s one I’m looking for. If you’re putting in the performances then that can happen.”