Why Lawrence Shankland IS Premiership's best striker as Hearts ace just edges Bojan Miovski - Ryan Stevenson

Lawrence Shankland or Bojan Miovski? It’s a debate that’s becoming more regular with every bulge of the net from either of Scotland’s hottest strikers.

Steven Naismith this week dubbed the Hearts skipper the best striker in the country after he hit his 50th Jambos goal in just his 79th game. Twenty-four hours earlier Naisy’s opposite number at Aberdeen, Neil Warnock, claimed after one game in charge that that tag belongs with his number nine Miovski.

It’s a brilliant talker and so refreshing for the Scottish game because when was the last time this question was asked and neither of the top two candidates were at the Old Firm? Not in my lifetime. But those two are streets ahead of everyone else this season and nobody can argue with that. Last year Kyogo was the main man but it’s just not happening for the Celtic striker this season. Whereas every time Shankland or Miovski step on a pitch, against any opposition, you fancy them to score.

Back to the question though and I don’t think anyone will be surprised by my answer. Shanks is number one. Listen, Miovski is a very good striker and anyone who can notch against the Old Firm regularly is worth their weight in gold.

Both Shankland and Miovski have done it regularly - in fact both have netted twice against both Celtic and Rangers this season. They’re two different types of strikers. Miovski is an athlete and a strong runner. He is also a very good finisher.

But Shankland is on a different level. An out and out goalscorer. Look at his strike against St Johnstone on Wednesday. Unbelievable. His touch, strength, finish - brilliant.

I was at the game against Aberdeen the other week and his goal with the outside of his foot was incredible. But he’s in such good form that I was