Lawrence: I have proved critics wrong
Lawrence Shank land reckons there were plenty doubters questioning if he had it in his locker to be a successful scorer in Scotland’s top flight.
But af ter hit t ing 20 goals in 32 games across all competitions, the Hearts captain takes satisfaction in blowing those fears right out of the water.
In fact, Shankland – who is the first Hearts player to hit that figure in a season since John Robertson in 1992 – is feeling so good about his game he is now targeting the 30 milestone.
The 27-year-old never had any concerns over his own ability and is delighted to finally lay to rest any notion that he could not cut it in Scotland’s elite league.
Shankland managed only nine goals with Dundee United in his first full season in the top- f light before heading to Belgium in summer 2021.
He said: “Of course, people have their doubts – that’s human nature.
“I hadn’t played at this level much.
“When we got promoted with Dundee United that was my first full season starting most games in the top flight.
“We did all right but it was going to be difficult for us coming up because we had a lot of players who hadn’t played at that level.
“We survived the season and I finished on nine goals that year.
“There was always going to be a question of whether I could do it in the top league but I was always confident that, in the right team and right system, I’d do well.
“That ’ s why I wa s confident when the chance came up to join Hearts last summer.”
Shank land had an underwhelming time with Beerschot in Belgium where he managed just five goals in 26 league outings.
But the former Aberdeen trainee insists there were reasons his spell in Europe didn’t go as planned.
The Scotland cap added: “In Belgium I was playing right-back!
“Or I was playing right midfield and just defending, which was a different type of challenge.
“It was a whole different experience for me there, so many learning curves on a personal level too.
“I had to be pat ient initially to get in the team. And when I did get in we weren’t in a good position and I had to deal with that.
“But now I’ve come here to a team that suits me and my style of play.”
Shankland received a message from Hearts legend Robbo after hitting the 20- goal landmark in last Sunday’s 3- 0 Scottish Cup win over Hibs.
The hitman, who was later sent off for two yellow cards in the game in Leith, added: “Robbo dropped me a WhatsApp message when I got on the bus after the match. He congratulated me on my goal and wished me all the best for the rest of the season.
“He said he hopes I go on and score more.
“Is the target now 30? Aye! I’ve got to look up the way.
“I’ve got 20 this early in the season. I won’t put a precise number on it but I want to keep scoring and if I reach that number great.”