Shanks Stoking the fire
Hitman hailed after deadly debut double
Robbie Neilson admits he was thrilled with Lawrence Shankland’s debut after the striker’s double downed Stoke in Gary Locke’s testimonial.
The Scotland ace was handed his first appearance after joining on Wednesday on a three-year deal from Belgian outfit Beerschot.
And the 26-year-old made the perfect first impression in front of the Jambos fans with a goal either side of the break.
He showed his predatory instincts to slot home an Alan Forrest drive before ruthlessly lashing a second into the net.
Stoke were second best for large spells but scored a late consolation through Tyrese Campbell.
Neilson said: “I was delighted with Lawrence, I pushed and pushed to get him here and we finally got it over the line, which we were delighted with.
“You see both goals, the first was like a poacher’s finish and the second one was great technique.
“That’s what he does, he comes alive in the box. We had him at Dundee United and the job of the team and the club is to create chances for him and keep him in these areas, he’s the guy who will put the ball in the back of the net.
“We have to help him and he has to help us.”
Asked if Shankland would start in next weekend’s Premiership opener against Ross County, Neilson added: “He wi l l be involved, we’ve got a number of great players here so there is competition and there are a lot of guys who’ll come in and out.
“You look at the subs who can come on, they are top players. Gar y Mackay- Steven was excellent when he came on.”
Locke, who has been involved with the club for over 20 years, led the Hearts team out for the game.
The Jambos legend would have been impressed how his team dominated the first half against a Stoke side who finished 14th in the Engl ish Championship last season.
After Forrest fizzed a half-volley wide from 20 yards, Stephen Kingsley then saw a header from Alex Cochrane’s corner come crashing off the bar.
Stoke had a rare chance just after the half-hour mark when a slack Craig Gordon pass was cut out but Scotland striker Jacob Brown shot over from 12 yards.
Barrie McKay then had a shot from a great position blocked before Shankland opened his Hearts account in 43 minutes.
Nat Atkinson picked out Forrest in the box and the winger’s crosscome-shot was directed into the net by Shankland.
At the start of the second half
Hearts breathed a sigh of relief when Stoke debutant Dwight Gayle shot wide before Shankland had an effort saved.
Hearts keeper Gordon then denied Josh Tymon before the Gorgie men finished strongly.
Mackay-Steven and Shankland were both denied by Stoke keeper Joe Bursik.
But Shankland did get his second in 87 minutes following great build up play by Finlay Pollock.
The teenager showed great skill to find the marksman and after his first effort was repelled by the keeper, Shankland slammed the rebound on the half volley into the net.
Stoke added a consolation in the final minute of regulation time when Campbell f ired beyond Gordon.