Lawrence Shankland: Predator who fits the model of a Hearts No.9

A new No.9 is in town in the shape of Lawrence Shankland, already a Scotland internationalist but perhaps a player with something to prove after a season in Belgium. Goals are his currency and Hearts are paying a tidy six-figure sum to bring his predatory instincts to Tynecastle Park.

At 26, he is far from the finished product as a footballer. The plan is for him to finish the product inside the penalty area and help Hearts become a more potent attacking force. Supporters in Gorgie know what to expect from a well-kent goal glutton who plundered for fun during previous spells at Ayr United and Dundee United.

Shankland is a touch more rounded now following experience of Belgium’s Pro League with Beerschot. He links play better and is more adept technically, however some defining raw attributes remain his core strengths: Footballing intelligence, bravery, plus an instinctive ability to position himself to finish goalscoring chances.

A centre-forward who can combine all of the above should, in theory, enjoy success at Hearts. Kyle Lafferty and Mark de Vries both spring to mind. Andrius Velicka and the holy grail of Tynecastle strikers, John Robertson, share those same traits.

Shankland is probably more comparable to someone like Velicka in both stature and style. Pace and height are not major assets, therefore sensing when chances will arise and converting them become vital.

In the words of the Scotland national coach Steve Clarke, “he scores goals with his head, left foot, right foot – he’s a natural finisher”. Clarke capped Shankland four times during 2019 and 2020 despite his status as a second-division player with Dundee United at the time.

“Going to Dundee United [from Ayr] was part of the plan to try and get involved