Sandy Clark reckons Lawrence Shankland is destined to become the latest king of Hearts. The former Jambos striker believes the summer signing could strengthen the hand of Robbie Neilson’s side and put silverware firmly on the cards.
Shankland opened with a double on his debut against Stoke last weekend and Clark knows the new boy well because he saw a lot of him at United, where he played up front alongside his son Nicky. He said: “When you look at all the other teams in the Premiership you can see Shanks being right up there in the goalscoring charts.
“ Celtic and Rangers are miles ahead financially but Hearts were the third best team last season and that will be the same again this year. Hearts have strengthened well and Robbie looks to have built his squad up to be the biggest challenger to Rangers and Celtic. The signing of Shanks just strengthens that position for me.
“There is a real feel good factor at the club and Europe is an absolute bonus. All he can do is to keep the team going, maintain that, try to keep going in the cups and maybe get the luck to lift one of them. That will be Robbie’s aim but with a goalscorer like Shanks, you give yourselves a better chance.”
Shankland scored goals for fun as United won the Championship in 2020, netting 29 for club and country in all competitions. His first season in the top flight was more of a struggle as ex-Tannadice manager Micky Mellon opted for a more defensive approach.
But Clark reckons Hearts and Neilson are tailor-made to get the best out of their marquee signing. He added: “Shanks will always score goals. At Dundee United when he played with Nicky just behind him, it got the best out of him – especially that season in the Championship when they were attacking and going at teams.
“Hearts set up with Barrie McKay and Alan Forrest on either flank and Shanks through the middle to get into the box. They lacked a wee bit last season, although Liam Boyce is a good striker. Shanks has always been brilliant when the ball comes into the box.
“That’s when he comes alive, makes things happen and gets on the end of things. It’s no surprise because he’s made a career out of scoring goals. He didn’t get a load of chances on Saturday but worked hard, scored two good goals and forced the keeper into a couple of good saves. That’s why Robbie has signed him – to give Hearts that wee bit more firepower. That’s exactly what they’ll get.”
Shankland was played out of position at Beerschot and the team struggled en route to relegation. Clark said: “A year ago, going to Belgium – with hindsight – wasn’t the best move for Shanks. It didn’t really work out with Beerschot getting relegated.
“I’m sure Lawrence will have learned a lot, adapted from playing in Belgium and will have come back to Hearts as an all-round better player. He scored for Scotland when he played.
“He’s a goalscorer. If he scores goals – as I expect him to do – at Hearts, the door will open for him again internationally. He has proved himself at that level and I’m sure Steve Clarke would keep the door open, especially for match-winners at the top end of the park.”
Hearts have already sold out their season tickets for the campaign, which gets going at home to Ross County. Having been at Gary Locke’s testimonial last week, Clark knows Tynecastle will be a fortress, starting this Saturday afternoon.
The former Tynecastle manager and forward added: “The Hearts fans are fantastic. Season tickets are sold out and that tells you all you need to know. I was at the club for 10 years and it’s all about the fans. It’s great to see the way the club and team are going under the stewardship of their own supporters.”
