Being out injured brought him back down to earth- but Lawrence Shankland insists scoring consistently for Dundee United isn’t a heavy weight on his shoulders.
The United man has been in stunning form this season, netting 20 goals in 19 games and 18 in 14 when on Championship duty. It’s clinical form that has helped lift Robbie Neilson’s side ten points clear at the Championship summit.
A return to form for Dundee United striker Shankland. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
His form has even earned him a remarkable call-up to the national team, where he made his chance count against San Marino with a goal. Shankland was called up for the qualifiers against Cyprus and Kazakhstan last month but injury ruled him out of more caps.
A return to action was made at Cappielow as United edged Morton 2-1. Shankland had the defining moment of this clash, scoring the winner. It’s the fifth Championship game in a row he’s scored in.
The 24-year-old says it’s good to be back but the thought of having to score every game for United doesn’t keep him up at night.
All in his stride. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“It was important for me to get back scoring again,” he said. “It was just good to get back out on to the pitch, to be honest and obviously, getting the winner was great.
“Being out injured kind of brings you back down to reality. I made a right good start to the season and everything was going well. You then get injured and are out for a few weeks.
“That’s football and I’m back quicker than I anticipated so I can only be happy with that.
Back at it. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
“I’d had a niggle in my hamstring through the week (with Scotland) and missed a day’s training. I got back fit and was buzzing but then my thigh went in the warm-up in Cyprus. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be for me that time.
“I don’t think it’s a burden on me but I hope it is the case that I keep scoring in every game. I just take these things in my stride. As a striker and don’t get too worried about it if I don’t score. If the team wins then that’s what really matters.”