Lawrence Shankland Credits Mental Skills Coach for Overcoming Goal Drought

Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland has disclosed that he engaged a mental skills coach to assist him in navigating a recent period of poor form. The Scotland forward netted two goals in the Tynecastle side’s victory against Dundee on Saturday, marking his first goals since September. Shankland stated that his collaboration with his mindset coach was crucial in helping him overcome his goal drought. The Hearts captain informed BBC Scotland, “I have worked mentally on my game to be ready for those sort of situations. Football is easy when everything is going well, but it can be tough in those spots and you have to be ready for that. Thankfully enough it’s worked out.” He continued, “I’ve worked with a guy, John Johnstone, for four years now. He said this was the moment we have worked for over the years. I have had a lot of success over the last couple of years and that was enjoyable, but it’s when you get to these tougher points you need to dig into that knowledge and use it.” Shankland added, “He has been good for me and beneficial to my career. That’s why I decided to work with somebody to deal with those moments and I think I have dealt with it very well.” Shankland faced criticism from Hearts fans following the recent 2-0 defeat to Cercle Brugge in Belgium, where the striker missed a late penalty by blasting it over the crossbar. The Scotland international now uses that evening as motivation to improve. He reflected, “It was probably one of my lowest nights of my career in recent seasons. It was a really tough night and I am not going to deny that, but that is why you train mentally to deal with those situations. It was a long night and there wasn’t much sleep, but you come through it, deal with it, put yourself back out there and take chances again. As I said I was always confident it would turn.”