Lawrence Shankland hoping Hearts leader status strikes a Scotland chord as he dismisses injury worries

Lawrence Shankland reckons his status as a Hearts leader can boost his Euro 20204 chances.

The Jambos skipper netted his 27th goal of the season in Sunday's 2-0 win over Celtic. The debate around him being included in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad has moved on from whether he should be in to whether he should be first choice in Germany for his country. Clarke had remained loyal the likes of Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams, while Shankland wasn't included in the initial squad that took on Georgia and Norway in November.

But he was drafted in as a late replacement and headed home a stoppage time equaliser in Tbilisi to secure a 2-2 draw. His form since has been breathtaking and the former Ayr Utd man seems a shoo-in to be on the plane this summer. "All you can do is play for your club and play at the level you are playing at, do as well as you can," he said.

"At this moment in time I feel like I am doing pretty well. Leading the line for Hearts, scoring goals and being a leader as well. I am giving myself a good opportunity."

Steven Naismith admitted Shankland was 50/50 to start against the champions at the weekend. But the Gorgie goal-getter insisted he was fit and inevitably got himself on the scoresheet. And he he's no reason why he won't be able to start next week's Scottish Cup quarter-final away at Morton.

"There was obviously a bit of a chat back and forth between the sports scientists and me but thankfully they took my word that I was alright, and I was," said Shankland. I felt confident going into the game, it was just a wee niggle. I probably felt worse going into the Hibs game, if I'm honest.

"I felt good (against Celtic) and I think that probably showed in my performance. It's good that we've got a chance to recover