How Hearts could line up as Lawrence Shankland fills striking void ahead of 2022/23 season

After a flurry of early transfer business, the Hearts squad is having the finishing touches added ahead of the first game of the season.

Robbie Neilson moved swiftly to bolster his numbers ahead of a European campaign that will see the Jambos play in either the Europa League or Europa Conference League group stages. Alan Forrest arrived from Livingston on a free transfer while Alex Cochrane is back on a permanent basis after last season's loan from Brighton. Lewis Neilson was snapped up on a free from Dundee United, leaving Hearts well stocked at the back.

Jorge Grant will add an extra attacking dimension to midfield. A cut price fee was agreed with Peterborough United despite him having a £750,000 release clause. Sporting director Joe Savage made a midnight dash to Malaga airport to pick the new boy up so he could join Hearts on their pre-season training camp in Spain.

Australian international Kye Rowles committed to life in maroon a while back, but international duty and via red tape meant he only arrived in Edinburgh last week. He was named as a trialist fort the friendly draw against Crawley Town at the weekend, but didn’t come off the bench.

Strikers have been the priority for Neilson in recent days, and he looks like getting his man. Lawrence Shankland is in the capital ahead of finalising a switch from Beerschot. The Scotland international will reunite with Neilson after producing the goods under him at Dundee United. Another forward will likely be on the wishlist to complement Shankland, Liam Boyce and Euan Henderson.

It now begs the question; what is Neilson’s strongest team? The back five pretty much picks itself, even after the blow of losing John Souttar to Rangers. Number one between the sticks isn't