Lawrence Shankland responds to Hearts transfer exit talk as bubbling interest tells striker he's at the top of his game

Lawrence Shankland reckons speculation linking him with a January move from Hearts is proof he’s at the top of his game.

But the Jambos skipper insists he won’t allow the rumour mill to blow his form off course after taking his domestic tally to 13 goals in his side’s stunning 2-0 win at Celtic Park on Saturday.

Shankland has been linked with both sides of the Old Firm although Hearts insist no approach has been made for the 28-year-old so far. Indeed, Tynecastle chief executive Andrew McKinlay told last week’s AGM the club planned to open talks over a new deal with the skipper – who has 18 months left on his current deal – in the new year. The Scotland striker again showed all his predatory qualities in front of the watching national team bosses Steve Clarke and John Carver as he headed home the opening goal at Celtic Park on Saturday.

That made it seven goals in his last nine games as Hearts climb back into third and the hitman is on course to break the 20-goal mark for the second season running having netted 28 times in the last campaign.

Asked about the mounting speculation the former Dundee United and Aberdeen striker said: “It’s a sign you’re doing well when there’s speculation, that’s what I take from that. It’s always been the case throughout my career, there’s always been speculation flying about.

“It’s a sign I’m doing my job well and scoring goals. That’s all I focus on, doing my job for Hearts and doing it well.”

Shankland’s 15th- minute header from Jorge Grant’s corner means the forward has now netted at Celtic Park, at Ibrox against Rangers and Hampden for Hearts this season while also scoring a late equaliser for Scotland in Georgia last month.

But Saturday’s was the first of those that led to a win