Lawrence Shankland happy to be playing under Robbie Neilson again at Hearts

Lawrence Shankland aims to capitalise on the chances Hearts manager Robbie Neilson tries to throw his way as the pair get set to resume a successful working relationship.

Neilson admitted he was “desperate” to sign his former Dundee United player when the striker became available following a season with Belgian club Beerschot which ended in relegation from the top flight.

Shankland scored 29 goals in 35 games under Neilson during United’s Championship title-winning campaign but he only hit nine in Micky Mellon’s more defence-minded side in the Premiership before scoring five in Belgium.

The Scotland international scored a double against Stoke at Tynecastle last week as Hearts warmed up for Saturday’s cinch Premiership opener at home to Ross County and Neilson is keen to supply the forward with the service he craves.

Neilson said: “He has already scored a couple of goals in his first pre-season game and it’s a case of us creating chances for him to score goals.

“I know very well, we know what he needs. He is a penalty-box striker. He won’t give you a lot outside it, but if you put the ball in the box he will score goals and it’s up to us to make sure we get him in there.”

After playing out of position for most of his time in Belgium, Shankland is happy to have a manager who is keen to play to his strengths.

“Of course it helps when you know a coaching staff and had success together before,” he said.

“We did well at Dundee United. Obviously the manager moved on but he wished me the best when I went over to Belgium and I kept in contact, with Jig (Lee McCulloch) especially. It was nice to be reunited with them.

“They know what they are getting from me, I know what I am getting from them.

“He knows what my strengths are,