Naismith Confident Shankland Will Overcome Goal Drought

Steven Naismith has expressed confidence that Lawrence Shankland will “not going to dwell” on his current goal drought and anticipates the striker’s return to peak performance. Shankland was an unused substitute for Scotland in their match against Croatia. The 29-year-old, who was named PFA Scotland player of the year last season, has registered only one goal across 18 appearances for Hearts this season. He remained on the bench during Scotland’s 1-0 victory over Croatia in Friday’s Nations League fixture. Naismith, who brought Shankland to Hearts in 2022, departed from his position as head coach at Tynecastle earlier this season following a sequence of eight consecutive losses. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s Off the Ball, Naismith stated, “The last two seasons, what he’s achieved is incredible itself. It impacted us because he was our talisman. Everything that could go against him is at the moment. Consistently going at that level and at that rate, it was always going to be a big challenge. Players go through that. The one thing from knowing him and speaking to him, he’s not going to dwell on it. He will come back. He’ll score one then he’ll just start scoring again. I wouldn’t be surprised if one will go in off his shin and then he’ll be back. It happens with goal scorers all the time.” Naismith, a former Scotland international forward with a club career that included spells at Kilmarnock, Rangers, Everton, Norwich City, and Hearts, assumed the role of Hearts manager in April 2023. During his inaugural full season at the helm, he guided the team to a third-place finish in the Scottish Premiership. Nevertheless, his tenure concluded with his dismissal, following an early exit from the Scottish League Cup, coupled with subpar league performances and the team’s relegation from the Europa League to the Conference League. When questioned about his interest in returning to management, Naismith responded, “No, not at the moment. I’ve just enjoyed the time off. I’ve never been in this situation before.”