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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Darren Johnstone

Liam Boyce hoping to form formidable Hearts partnership with Lawrence Shankland

Hearts striker Liam Boyce admits he is hoping he can form a formidable attacking partnership with Lawrence Shankland.

The pair were a handful for the Rosenborg defence in Thursday’s memorable 3-1 Europa Conference League win as Boyce made his first in nearly a year.

Boyce only had seven games alongside the Hearts captain at the start of last season before he was struck down with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

And the Northern Irishman believes he and the free-scoring forward can link well in the final third.

Boyce, who was replaced after 66 minutes against the Norwegians as Hearts set-up a play-off tie with PAOK following a 4-3 aggregate win, said: “We only got to play a handful of games last season and I know how good a player he is. 

“Having played together I know what he likes and hopefully I can keep getting more game time and keep that partnership going and score more goals.

“I was told a couple of days ago I would be playing, I was a bit impatient last week as I was only getting on for five minutes and stuff but I realised on Thursday after 50 minutes why I knew I wasn't getting longer. 

“When it got to that point my lungs were okay but my legs felt like cement a wee bit. I’ll do whatever I can for the team.

“I came on last weekend too against Kilmarnock and it’s getting more minutes and building, trying to get that sharpness. 

“There were a few times the ball came to me and I felt like my feet weren’t connected to my body but that will come with time and hopefully I can keep niggling injuries away.”

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