“sick of hearing my own name”- 13 SPFL goals strike laments

“sick of hearing my own name”- 13 SPFL goals strike laments

Lawrence Shankland stated he was “sick of hearing my own name” during the January transfer window,

amid strong ties to Rangers.

The 28-year-old was apparently open to go to Ibrox if possible [4th Official, 4 January],

but maintains he was happy at Hearts before the New Year and remains so today,

with no official interest in signing him.

The Gers supporter [Scottish Sun] was getting daily inquiries about his future from his own family,

but he clearly hasn’t allowed the rumors affect his form,

having scored 13 SPFL goals since his strike against Ibrox on October 29th, which sparked talk about moving sides.

The Tynecastle skipper was regarded as the ideal solution to Ibrox’s lack of attacking alternatives entering the winter window, but nothing materialised.

Shankland told BBC Sport, via the Scottish Sun (4 February): “Obviously it adds pressure.

There is a lot of commotion and conversation going on around the place.

To be honest, I probably got tired of hearing my own name by the end.

“My family was the same; they were constantly inquiring. But I was completely concentrated on my football.

Even in the months preceding up to it, there was a lot of buzz, but I remained focused on football.

“I was doing well, scoring goals and doing my job for Hearts.

That was the most crucial thing I could focus on and do. I focused entirely on it,

and it got me through it. I just let the sounds play in the background

“I was unaware of the pricing. That’s the portion that I can’t control and that most people don’t consider.

“Until someone comes to Hearts and says, ‘Here, here is what we’re offering you; are you taking it?’,

it doesn’t get as far as me. That probably allowed me to simply go and enjoy the football.

“Nothing happened. I was glad to be here before, and I’m glad to be here again.

I’ve never  once said that i’m desperate to get out the door.

“I’m enjoying my football, I’m scoring goals and leading the team out every week isn’t too bad”

Shankland is Hearts’ talisman, despite Rangers suspicion.

Fabio Silva provided a timely reminder that,

after scoring his first goal for the club against Livingston on Saturday (3 February),

he may be able to lead the line for Philippe Clement,

which he will need to do as the closest thing to a striker to come via the transfer market.

Danilo’s absence, combined with Kemar Roofe’s continued troubles to remain healthy,

had already left the Light Blues short in attack before Sam Lammers was allowed to leave on loan,

and, more critically, star loanee Abdallah Sima was sidelined for several months.

A number nine alternative to the undoubtedly improving Cyriel Dessers appeared to be the most obvious missing piece entering into the window,

and Shankland’s SPFL scoring record for Hearts made him a proven commodity.

It was never going to be easy to persuade the Jambos to let their leader go,

but it appears the Rangers eventually decided it wasn’t feasible.

Two more goals and an assist for Hearts in their 3-2 win against Dundee on Saturday,

bringing his total to 21 goals in all competitions this season,

served as a reminder of why he was so popular with Rangers fans.

But the Light Blues are reducing the gap on Celtic at the top of the table,

and if Silva can improve on his performance at Ibrox over the weekend while Dessers grows in confidence,

perhaps the squad will be enough.

Most fans would have been much more confident if Clement had a Shankland, a Michy Batshuayi,

or even an Antonio Colak, but the Belgian will have to fight on the remaining three fronts with what he has,

and whether the Scotland international remains a summer option or not,

he appears to be crucial to Steven Naismith until then.

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