Ryan Stevenson claims that if the Hearts were to trade Lawrence Shankland without having a suitable replacement in place, Steven Naismith would be writing his own death sentence.

Shanks was Gorgie’s main guy last season with 28 goals, and it looks like he’s even more of one this year with 12 goals, well ahead of Alan Forrest, Cammy Devlin, and Yutaro Oda, who are the next biggest scorers with two goals apiece. ‘Own goal’ actually ranks second on their team with three goals.

To suggest that Hearts are largely dependent on the 28-year-old is not hyperbole. They are not a one-man show, but when it comes to performing the hardest and most crucial play in football—putting the ball in the net—he is carrying a big load that his teammates ought to be trying to lighten for him.

Shankland’s future has been much discussed, with the Rangers being favored to make a bid for him. Given his production, other teams will undoubtedly be paying attention. It would also be extremely difficult to replace.

What would become of Hearts then? Steve Stevenson, a former player, has a bad idea.

“Take one look at Hearts’ stats for this season and there’s a glaring problem,” he remarked in a Daily Record interview.The second name on the list of the best scorers doesn’t even exist, behind Shankland with 12 goals. This guy, Own Goals, has a whopping three goals in the net.

“For all of the club’s attacking midfielders and forwards, playing without the captain is nothing short of embarrassing. I refer to athletes like Alan Forrest, Yutaro Oda, Jorge Grant, Kenneth Vargas, and Kyosuke Tagawa.

“What worries me the most is that Hearts could be in serious trouble if a deal is made for Shankland in the January transfer window that cannot be rejected.

“Steven Naismith would be signing his own death sentence as manager if they sold their talisman without having a substitute in place.

“Right now, everything that stands between the defense and the captain is meant to be deceptive. Nobody other than Shankland or OG has scored for Hearts since Vargas defeated Livingston on November 1st; in fact, Shanks even forced the own goal against Killie.”

Stevo has a glimmer of hope that the team can aim for third place and that the goals can be discussed, as a few important players have returned from injury.

Barrie McKay’s return to fitness is encouraging, and perhaps Liam Boyce will be too,” he continued.

“If these guys and others round about them can lift their numbers in the second half of the season – and Shankland is still around – then what a chance Hearts will have of finishing third.”

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