Sluggish Lawrence Shankland needs Hearts restart and simple advice that worked for Alan Shearer would help - Ryan Stevenson

Lawrence Shankland was Scotland’s sharpest operator in front of goal a few months ago. On Sunday I thought he looked sluggish. Like a man carrying the weight of responsibility for his team.

I’ve banged the Shankland drum for years but even I’ve got to admit the pressure now looks to be taking its toll on the Hearts skipper. I’d have taken him off against Rangers, I’ve got to be honest. We are all scratching our heads wondering what’s happened. I honestly think it’s due to Lawrence trying too hard every time he steps on the pitch. Running into areas he doesn’t need to go into like on Sunday when he kept dropping deep or even popping up way out on the right wing.

Yes, he linked play well and produced what should have been a wonderful assist for Kenny Vargas only for the Costa Rican to fluff his lines at the crucial moment. But in Lawrence’s own words last week it’s just not happening for him in front of goal right now.

And that’s his job first and foremost. To score goals. Sometimes when you’re not playing well you can find yourself going into positions you normally wouldn’t just to try and make things happen.

I always remember Alan Shearer saying when he was going through a hard time that Bobby Robson just told him to stay in between the sticks. That’s what Lawrence needs to do.

Put it this way, I bet he’s still the guy that opposition defences worry about most. Even though he’s scored just one in 18 games this season. If you’re the opposition centre half or goalkeeper and you see him away out wide then you’ll be delighted. They don’t want to see him in the box where at any stage there could be a ricochet that falls to him it will end up in the back of the net.

I’ll tell you what though - those critics suggesting he isn’t