Lawrence Shankland dampens Hearts transfer exit talk as big game hunter sets his sights on PAOK

He might text pal Jack Hendry and ask if he’s on the same wage as Neymar in the Saudi Pro League. But, for now, Lawrence Shankland has no plans on joining him in the Middle East.

The only foreign football he’s interested in is Hearts’ Europa Conference League quest. And in terms of riches? Shankland is determined to score the goals that secures the Tynecastle club a crack at the money-spinning group stage for a second season in succession.

Like the rest of us, the Jambos striker heard the rumours that he’s subject of interest from sides in Saudi Arabia who are desperate to splash their cash. But the mention of it brought a wry smile to Shankland’s face off the back of Hearts’ memorable victory over Rosenborg in Europe on Thursday night. He played a captain’s role, scoring their equaliser before Cammy Devlin’s brilliant brace sealed a play-off place against Greeks PAOK.

Shankland has no idea what the future might hold. When he and Hendry were plying their trade in Belgium two years ago, he couldn’t have predicted the Scotland defender would end up at Al-Ettifaq facing superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane.

But all Shankland is concerned with is banging goals in for the Tynecastle side. And he insists it would be difficult to leave Gorgie. He said: “Listen, I live in the here and now. I play my football at Hearts and I’ll keep doing that until I’m told not to.

“Would it be hard to leave nights like Thursday behind? Of course because European games with the big atmospheres are great to play in. It’s the same when we play the Old Firm, Hibs or Aberdeen – you love to play in these games.

“But until that moment comes, I won’t take any interest in it. I haven’t spoken to Jack. I’ve just seen all sorts