50-up for Lawrence

Lawrence Shankland was the difference between the sides at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday night and as he so often has done for the men in maroon this season, came up with a moment of quality to hand the Jambos a ninth victory in their last ten matches.  

It was also the number nine’s 50^th goal in maroon and whilst acknowledging what is a proud moment, he admits the result was the most important factor.

Speaking to Hearts TV at full-time, Shankland said:

“The most important thing was the three points. We knew it was going to be that type of game. The surface makes it quite difficult to play football at times, but when you come here and grind out results, that’s what it’s all about.

“So, we’re really pleased with that and on a personal note, really good to get my 50^th goal. I actually forgot it was my 50^th goal, until I saw the banner at the end, but that’s a great feeling.”

McDiarmid Park once had a habit of being a bit of a bogey ground for the Jambos, but they have now won on their last three trips to Perth and Shankland, who has perhaps unsurprisingly, scored in all three of those trips, believes the mentality in the group is changing, particularly at away venues.

The men in maroon have now won 9 away league matches this season, something they haven’t done since the 2010/11 campaign.

Shankland added: “I said before we went out that this was a night that there was an excuse there if you wanted to make it, but thankfully, the boys seem to have moved on from that stage and we’re now coming to places like this and getting wins and points on the board, which is important.”

As if the impact the cinch Premiership’s top scorer has in one box, isn’t enough, Shankland also popped up with a big moment at the other end, when heading Nicky Clark’s header off the line.

“At the time, I was probably more pleased with that, than the goal,” he laughed. “We work hard with Frankie in training on our defensive duties and he takes pride in getting us organised at that and then it’s up to us to do our jobs.

“So thankfully, I was there, but I think Zander was there too as he smacked me on the back of the head, as I headed it away, so he was just making sure.”