Lawrence Shankland believes that rumors that he was linked to a Hearts trade in January demonstrate that he is at the peak of his game.

The Jambos captain, nevertheless, is adamant that he won’t let the rumors derail his form after his team’s thrilling 2-0 victory at Celtic Park on Saturday gave him his 13th goal of the domestic season.

Hearts maintain that they have not yet made an approach for Shankland, 28, despite the fact that he has been linked to both Old Firm teams. In fact, Tynecastle CEO Andrew McKinlay announced to the AGM last week that the team intended to begin contract negotiations with the captain in the upcoming year. The skipper has 18 months remaining on his present contract. In front of national team managers Steve Clarke and John Carver, the Scotland striker once again displayed his predatory tendencies when he headed home the game’s first goal at Celtic Park on Saturday.

After scoring 28 goals in the previous season, the striker is on track to exceed the 20-goal mark for the second straight season with seven goals in his past nine games as Hearts reclaim third place.

When asked about the growing rumors, the former Aberdeen and Dundee United striker replied, “I take that to mean that you’re doing well when there’s speculation.” Throughout my entire career, there has consistently been conjecture around.

It indicates that I’m achieving my goals and performing well at work. I only concentrate on performing my job for Hearts to the best of my ability.

dread-stricken Celtics supporters divulge EVERY dread in a Hotline confession as Rangers’ prophecies come to naught.

Shankland scored a late equalizer for Scotland in Georgia last month, and he has already scored for Hearts at Celtic Park, Ibrox versus Rangers, and Hampden this season. Shankland’s goal came from Jorge Grant’s corner in the 15th minute.