Robbie Neilson responds to Lawrence Shankland Scotland snub as Hearts boss delivers 2 point defence

Robbie Neilson admits Lawrence Shankland remains a few points short of earning his loyalty card for Scotland.

But the Hearts boss insists he’d prefer his star striker to have been part of Stevie Clarke’s squad for upcoming games against Cyprus and Spain despite a recent hamstring injury. Shankland has been deemed surplus to requirements despite a tally of 21 goals so far this season and Neilson has told the 27-year-old to continue making his case to Clarke through his club form.

He said: “Lawrence would have been fit for Scotland because hopefully he’ll be playing Saturday but I can understand Steve’s perspective on it. He’s not played a lot of games in the last couple of weeks. Also there are guys he’s very loyal to within that squad Lawrence has to try and get in ahead of. I would rather him go away with the national team because it gives him that lift and puts him training at that level.

“Obviously you hope they come back uninjured but the more we get away the better for us. He’s been outstanding this season but I think he has to get into the Scotland team then show what he can do at that level then stay there.

"There are a number of strikers who have done well for Steve over the last few years and he has that belief in them. Lawrence has to get to that level.”

Clarke has opted to keep faith with the likes of strikers Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes and Jacob Brown ahead of the double header and Neilson is in no doubt about the merits of Shankland’s Scotland credentials. He said: “Ultimately I don’t pick the team and he’s doing a brilliant job.

"Lawrence has probably been one of our best players this year. I knew what we’d get when we signed him – a goalscorer. He just needs to continue doing it for us.”

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