Lawrence Shankland: Injury doubt, Joe Hart, Hearts penalty

The Hearts striker, who was watched by Scotland manager Steve Clarke, had a goal ruled out before scoring a crucial second in the second half.

Here is everything he said...

READ MORE: Hearts produce big win v Celtic: Clark's moment, brilliant Beni, defensive trio

Was that a statement victory?

That was a big one. It was a tough week coming into it, we obviously knew the fixtures we were going to face. We started off with a really hard one at Ibrox, the other night we weren’t at our best if we’re being honest. Hibs probably edged it overall, but we managed to get out with a point. We took the positives from that and brought them into today. I thought we were more at it today and more like ourselves. It was a deserved victory in the end.

You certainly had no fear of Celitc?

Obviously, they’re a good team and they’ve got really quality players. But we had a game-plan and we believed in what we were trying to do. Obviously, the game was pretty even and the red card helps us. Zander making the save from the penalty keeps us in the game as well. The game changed pretty quickly within a five minute period and after Celtic went down to 10 men we controlled it really well. It can be difficult sometimes playing against 10 men, the game becomes harder somehow. But, today I thought we managed it really well and deserved the victory.”

What was Joe Hart saying to you in the build-up to Grant’s penalty?

I don’t think I could say it! But, no, he was obviously having a bit of banter. He was clearly expecting me to take the penalty and had probably studied me all week. So, I think it probably threw him a bit when Jorge hit it, which can sometimes be a good thing. But, previous to now, I’d obviously hit the last two, but Jorge wasn’t on the pitch. He hit one after I’d missed three in a row against Aberdeen and scored, so there’s no reason for him not to hit them when he’s not on the pitch. It’s something I’m quite comfortable with and there was no bickering about it – I was quite happy for him to go and score.

Hart seemed annoyed when you weren’t taking it?

That’s what I’m saying, I think it threw him, he would’ve made his mind up where he was going if I was taking the penalty, studied it a bit. But Jorge went up composed and scored. It’s just part and parcel of the game. I would’ve probably said the same thing. A couple of the outfield players had asked if I’d bottled it as well. I would’ve been asking as well if I’d been in their position. But that’s football. That’s what it’s all about. There’s always that bit of banter between the players on the pitch. But I was confident in Jorge to go and score.”

How happy were you with the goal after the first one was offside?

It was just about me getting into positions. Obviously, Nieuwenhof’s amazing assist! I don’t actually know how the ball went back in my direction. But thankfully enough it came into my path and I managed to stick it away. I was delighted to get the goal. Frustration with the first one. I thought I was onside but I think Carter Vickers did really well to step up. It was clever defending from him. Alan took four days to give me the pass – I’ll be having words with him! But we got there in the end.

Your actual goal, just an instinctive finish…

It was. It was quite instinctive. As soon as it bounced up I thought ‘I’m hitting this’. I caught it really well and it was a good finish. I was just delighted to see it hit the net.”

READ MORE: Steven Naismith Q&A: Brilliant performance, soft decisions, Nieuwenhof praise

Did you know Steve Clarke was in attendance?

No, I didn’t know. I don‘t text him all the time, he’s not my mate, he’s the national team manager. When he turns up to games he’s here. Hopefully I impressed today and put on a good performance and we got a victory as well.

27 goals now, confident you’ll be going through the 30 mark?

Yeah, I just keep knocking them one at a time. Hopefully, they keep building. But, of course, that’s an objective which would be a great achievement for myself, I’ll look to do it if I can.

Are you just doing all you can to get into Scotland squad/team?

All you can do is play for your club and play at the level you are playing at, do as well as you can. At this moment in time I feel like I am doing pretty well. Leading the line for Hearts, scoring goals and being a leader as well. I am giving myself a good opportunity.

Zander did his prospects no harm with his performance?

I think Zander's been brilliant from the minute he's come into the team. There was the whole thing with Craigy coming back from injury. That adds an added pressure as Craigy is such a good goalkeeper. For me, Zander's not doing anything to lose his place. He's been brilliant for us, really big saves in big moments. He's a top goalie and he shows that. He's had the chance to play at international level and that's been good for him.

What was your reaction to bottle opener being thrown at you?

I thought it was a vape, to be honest, when it was coming, but when it came a wee bit closer, I realised it wasn't. So best to get out of the way! Listen, it's one of those things. I'm not one to cry about it but it's not ideal, not what we want. But it's not for me to deal with. It never hit me in the end and that's what I was caring about.

READ MORE: Why Kenneth Vargas missed Hearts win over Celtic - Halkett and Kent update

How does this set you up for the rest of season?

This was a big week so it was about trying to get as many points as we could. Four is a decent return for the fixtures we had. We can be pleased. Before that we were on a really good run and that's easy to get forgotten about when you have a couple of not-at-the-top performances. But we know what we are capable of going into the games going forward. We've taken a good tally.

Aim to get closer to Celtic?

Of course - we keep trying to win games. We need to try and get third as soon as possible. It's ours to give away and last year we did and we got punished for it so that will be in the back of our minds. We use that as a lesson going forward but we are in a good position. It's about going and cementing that and see where it takes us afterwards.

The manager said you were close to missing match?

There was obviously a bit of chat back and forth between the sports scientist and me - but thankfully enough they took my word that I was alright. And I was - it was just a wee niggle. I probably felt worse going into the Hibs game, if I'm being honest. I felt good today and I think that showed in the performance level.

Will take a few days off now?

It's good that we've got a chance to recover and tone down a wee bit before we build up to the Morton game. It'll probably come at a good time for me - but I'm all good.

Does it give extra belief against Old Firm if you play them in cups?

I think you need to believe, especially here. These games are always difficult for teams when they come here but especially the Old Firm. They are usually big ones and on the TV. People look at them as a game that Celtic and Rangers could maybe lose. For us, the mentality needs to be that we go and win them. We're starting to get evidence now that we can win them - winning at home and away against Celtic. The first game against Rangers was really tight but they've had two good results against us. We just need to keep working hard and believing we can get closer to them - and then when we do get the chance to play against them, you give them good games. I think your overall work gets done around the games you play them and if you do that well, you go into the matches full of belief.