Hearts Boss Critchley Backs Shankland to Rediscover Scoring Touch

Neil Critchley, the manager of Hearts, has expressed support for striker Lawrence Shankland, who is currently experiencing a goal drought, to regain his scoring touch. The Scotland international has scored only one goal in 15 club appearances this season, with Hearts currently positioned at the bottom of the league standings. Ahead of his team’s away fixture against St Johnstone on Saturday, Critchley stated: “I spoke to him again on the training pitch this morning and of course he’s a striker, he wants to score goals.” He acknowledged Shankland’s frustration, adding, “He’s frustrated that he’s not hitting the back of the net, but I think his all-round contribution in the last couple of games has been fantastic. “I think he’s played like a real captain, a real leader. He’s brought so much more to the team in the way that he’s played and led the line for us and he’s been so, so close to hitting the back of the net.” Critchley expressed certainty about Shankland’s future goalscoring, asserting, “If he keeps putting himself in certain situations then with his finishing ability off both feet or his head, he will get goals, I’ve got no doubt.” He further highlighted the player’s commitment, noting, “If you look at his all-round contribution to the team, his physical effort and the data that backs that up, he has put so much effort in the last few games and if he keeps working hard it will it will turn for hm.” Critchley affirmed that he has no plans to relieve Shankland of his captaincy duties. He explained, “That doesn’t ever come into my thinking,” and continued, “Otherwise, you’re judging things on outcome all the time.” He concluded by stating, “Lawrence is captain. He’s captain for a reason and he’ll remain captain.”