Lawrence Shankland believes his heart was always going to lead him back to Tynecastle Park.
The inevitable no.9 today completed a return to Hearts after signing a new three-year deal.
Crucial to his decision to stay was open and honest chats with Head Coach Derek McInnes, as well as a little influence from an unlikely source; Jock the Jambo.
Speaking exclusively to Hearts TV at the club’s pre-season training camp in Spain, Lawrence said; “Obviously, I’m delighted to be back. It's a familiar changing room, it’s nice to see all the boys again as well, and I'm just looking forward to getting started again.
“I'd been speaking to the manager about coming back here, and I'd always left the door open. I couldn’t seem to close the door behind me, and I think that gave me an indication of where my head might be at.
“I think that's the most important thing. As long as there was honesty around my situation, I think both sides were happy to see how things went. I was always keen to keep that door open for myself, and it was important for me that the manager was happy to do that for me as well.
“So that was important, and the honesty between us worked out in the end. And obviously, when it came to making the decision, it was an easy one, really, to get my head around.
“After speaking to the family and where they want to be, especially my four-year-old Eva, who's in love with Jock the Jambo, it was back here.
“I'm happy with my decision, and the family are happy as well. I’m just looking forward to getting started again.”
Lawrence’s interview is available to watch in full on Hearts TV by clicking here.
