Shankland: Music to my ears

An accomplished marksman in Scottish football, Lawrence returned to Scotland last week after penning a three-year-deal with Hearts following his exit from Belgian side Beerschot.
 
The new season is set to be a big one for the boys in maroon; a domestic campaign coupled with the excitement of group stage European football. Shanks now has his eyes set on replicating his scoring feats at Dundee United now he’s taken the number nine shirt at Tynecastle.
 
“It’s good to be back. Had a season in Belgium and tried it out. I’m glad I did it, but it’s nice to be home and at a big club,” he told the media.
 
“The expectation is bigger here: the fans look for you to win every game, especially at home. We need to rise up to it as players and stand to the challenge. I’ll not pile pressure on myself by setting a numbered target.
 
“I want to be a successful player for this football club. I’m at a big team again and I’m looking forward to getting going.

“The season ticket sales tell you everything you need to know about the excitement around the place. Stoke was my first game back playing, so it was good to get ninety minutes under my belt along with two goals.”
 
A big attraction for Shanks prior to his arrival in Edinburgh was the opportunity to reunite with Robbie Neilson.

Lawrence and the manager enjoyed a productive working relationship in their previous life at Tannadice – with Shankland saying that a reunion with the manager was like ‘music to his ears’.
 
“I think the manager knows how to get the best out of me; he knows what my strengths are, what I’m good at,” he explained.
 
“It always helps when a coach does know those things and what to do with the system to help make it suit you. It’s music to my ears and, if I put the chances away, it’ll be great!”