Hearts ‘prepared for all eventualities’ if Lawrence Shankland leaves in January transfer window admits Steven Naismith

LAWRENCE SHANKLAND may well have just scored his final ever goal for Hearts.

If he does leave in the upcoming January transfer window, he’s certainly leaving Edinburgh on a high note.

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Lawrence Shankland scored the winner for Hearts against HibsCredit: Andrew Barr

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Steven Naismith celebrates the 1-0 winCredit: Andrew Barr

The 28-year-old bagged the winner for Hearts in the capital city derby, after missing his first penalty in 15 attempts in the first half.

Hibs ace Martin Boyle also missed from the spot but it was Jambos skipper Shankland and his team mates in maroon who had the last laugh.

But, Steven Naismith knows fine well he may lose his star man next month.

The Hearts boss refused to deny that the club would accept an offer for their captain if it meets certain criteria, despite the fact he has 18 months left on his contract (and no new and improved deal in the works as yet).

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Naismith insists the Tynecastle club are fully prepared should Shanland depart in the coming weeks.

He said: “Scottish clubs are not at the elite. If there’s an outrageous offer then that’s something the club is going to consider.

“We’ve spoke as a club on what the plan is for any player.

“Shanks has got 18 months left, he’s happy here and he’s enjoying his football as you can see.

“The time will be right when we agree to sit and speak about a contract but there are so many factors to it.

“But there’s nothing concrete and nothing will happen.

“He has 18 months left on his contract so we don’t need to talk about a contract at the moment. We’ll do it at the right time.

“At the moment he can just keep doing what he’s doing and scoring goals on the pitch.

“We want him to stay, we’ll do all we can, but you can’t guarantee anything in football. We’ll enjoy him as long as he’s here and we’re ready for all eventualities.”

Naismith also hinted that staying in Edinburgh could be the best thing for Shankland’s Euro 2024 prospects with Scotland.

If the striker was to go to Rangers for example, he’d be competing with the soon-to-return Danilo for a regular spot up top, as well as Cyriel Dessers who is showing signs he is starting to find his feet in Scottish football.

The Jambos boss added: “Shanks is loved here and he is the best finisher in the league for me.

“He is dealing well with everything going on and it is hard for him as he’s constantly getting asked.

“Whatever happens will happen. As a club we are comfortable with our stance.

“Shanks understands that and he also has the Euros to think about.”

Away from the transfer speculation and turning to matters on the pitch, Naismith said the game itself wasn’t the most enjoyable.

He also paid tribute to Zander Clark for his penalty save from Boyle in the first half, which came after Shankland had missed from the spot a few minutes earlier.

Naismith said: “It wasn’t an enjoyable game. It lacked quality but we found a way.

“Zander was very good and he’s playing under difficult circumstances as we have a legend back in the squad in Craig Gordon. 

“He showed how valuable he is but it’s about the team. 

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“We are in a good place and we are making progress but we need to keep building.

“We dug in to the end but we are a work in progress and we need to keep going.”

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