Lawrence Shankland offered a sarcastic response on Hearts contract negotiations as links to Rangers ramp up following a stunning winner v Hibs.
The Scotland international striker, 28, has been routinely linked with a move to Rangers as Philippe Clement looks to bolster his squad’s attacking options in January.
And the Hearts hitman once again proved his big-game mentality by coming up with a last minute stunner in the Edinburgh Derby to defeat Hibs at Easter Road.
Having missed a penalty earlier in the match – and having put in an all-round frustrating performance in Leith – the striker was eventually the hero by scoring his 16th goal of the season.
And what a goal it was.
Lawrence Shankland on Hearts contract
Speaking after the match, with the goal v Hibs Lawrence Shankland’s 10th Premiership strike in 11 matches, the striker was asked about his contract situation at Hearts.
Entering the final 18 months of his current deal, manager Steven Naismith has been open about the situation and the potential of the Jambos selling the hitman.
Former Ibrox captain and Hearts assistant Lee McCulloch – who was part of the team who bought the striker to Tynecastle – also suggested the Gers could secure a deal by turning the bluenose forward’s head.
Seemingly open to contract discussions with Hearts, the comments certainly aren’t those of a player who wants to force a Gorgie exit as things stand.
Even if the striker was a tad sarcastic when discussing any potential contract talks.
“Obviously 18 months is a long time, especially in football,” said Shankland. “When the club feel like it’s time for that to happen they’ll approach me.
“But listen, the now, things are going well, I’m enjoying my football, I’m playing well, so I think it would be daft to look at it any other way.
“I’m under contract here and I’ve got 18 months left so I wouldn’t have much of a choice if they pulled me in the meeting room!
“That’s it! But listen, I’m fully focused on my football at the minute, I’m scoring goals and that’s all I can concentrate on.”
Rangers-linked striker on “positive” speculation
Whilst Rangers were never directly mentioned, Lawrence Shankland has also been responding to those Ibrox links to the BBC after the match.
As far as we can see, the only other side who’ve been mentioned alongside Lawrence Shankland are Old Firm rivals Celtic.
Admitting that the Scottish Premiership showing against Hibs wasn’t his best performance, the hitman claims the links are simply evidence he’s doing something right at Hearts.
“I just see it as a positive to be honest,” said Shankland. “It shows that you’re doing well.
“When that speculation is floating about it’s usually when things are going well and you’re doing your job properly – until tonight!
“You get moments like that, you get games when you’re not at your best. It’s just about plodding on, working hard, and trying to produce something in the end and thankfully I did that (against Hibs).
“In terms of speculation it’s just a sign that I’m doing my job well and aye, that’s as far as I look into it.”
Lawrence Shankland signed for Hearts from Belgian side Beerschot last summer and has gone on to score 43 goals in 72 appearances for the club.
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