‘Incredible’ 30-goal striker hailed by impressed boss amid Hull City links
The hotshot striker is attracting no shortage of interest after another prolific season at Tynecastle
Steven Naismith feels Lawrence Shankland’s achievements will only be fully appreciated once the player has moved on from Hearts with continued links with ambitious Championship club Hull City.
The Scotland international striker scored his 30th club goal of the season with a spectacular volley 17 minutes from time to earn his team a 2-2 draw at St Mirren on Wednesday night, only adding further value to what may well be a growing price tag and that’s before he leads the line for the Tartan Army at this summer’s European Championships in Germany.
Shankland netted 28 goals last season but Naismith felt his captain still does not always get the plaudits he deserves amid an expectation the Jam Tarts number nine will move on this summer in a bid to test himself south of the border for the first time in his career.
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“It’s incredible. He’s had plaudits and people have talked throughout the season but I don’t think people will really understand it for a few years until it has been and gone and someone else is scoring goals,” Naismith beamed.
“Hearts did a lot to get him here and then put their faith in him that he was going to be good. He has been a brilliant pro, a good leader, and his goal record over the two seasons here is unbelievable.
“He deserves everything that comes his way. He has had to graft his whole career to get anything out of it. He has had knockbacks and setbacks when he was younger and he is now getting recognition with the awards and the international scene. But he deserves every bit of it.”
On the goal itself, Naismith lauded the 30-goal frontman, adding: “I think it’s one of his best. That’s what makes him different. He is calm in the box and instinctive, and he understands what’s going on. He doesn’t rush or snatch at the ball. It’s a brilliant finish. It’s incredible. I don’t think people will really understand it for a few years until it has been and gone.
