John Robertson provides Hearts verdict on Lawrence Shankland and the ‘magical’ chance striker still has.
The Hearts icon has expressed his feelings on the Tynecastle guy, having previously met with him.
According to John Robertson, Lawrence Shankland can look to Rory McIlroy for encouragement during his difficult Hearts phase. The Jambos icon has been watching on as the senior club figure has had a difficult season in front of goal, despite previously having had successful seasons in maroon. He has 63 goals for Hearts in total, but has only scored four this season, despite playing in a number 10 role under Neil Critchley. Hearts have been on the bench for the last two games as they lost out on the Premiership’s top six, but a Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen awaits them this weekend. Robertson feels Shankland possesses the minerals necessary to produce a memorable experience.
Hearts icon’s Shankland verdict
He stated: “Every weekend is a terrific opportunity for Lawrence. And when you look at his numbers over the last two seasons, they are alarming. Absolutely disturbing. And the quality of his goals was outstanding. This year isn’t. Listen, I’ve been there. I’ve had seasons with single-figure goals. Sometimes everything you try doesn’t work out, and that’s where he is. People claim he isn’t trying, but he surely is. Lawrence Shankland, a great professional, is desperate to score.”You could see the difference between this season and previous season in injury time on Saturday. He’s gone through, made a good strike, and it went a foot past the post. Last year, he was in. It’s that basic and straightforward. He goes and does not go this year. If Lawrence is a foot closer, hits the post, then sprints out to Alan Forrest for a tap-in, it doesn’t happen. Lawrence’s frustration appears to encapsulate the team’s frustrations. He’s been so close so many times, with so many big games, and it just hasn’t happened. However, in football, particularly as a striker, you can go from zero to hero and back again extremely quickly.
“It’s the hardest position in the game. You play 90% of the match when you’re back to goal against defenders who are facing the ball all the time. And, you know, Lawrence’s reputation is such that, you know, they expect him to score. Because of his last two seasons, they expect him to score every touch. It’s one of these things that doesn’t happen, but I’ve met him a couple of times. He’s a very confident young man that comes across as a guy who wants to do well.
“He wants to succeed, and he will work hard. On Saturday, he’ll give it his all, just like he always does. And, you know, this may be an opportunity for, not redemption; he doesn’t need it, but it would be amazing for him and the players if he could provide that beautiful moment that brings hope to a cup final. As I previously stated, once you return to Hamden in May, anything can happen.
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