Neil Critchley addresses Lawrence Shankland’s Hearts form amid swift response to captaincy poser

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Neil Critchley couldn’t praise his captain Lawrence Shankland enough despite the Hearts striker’s concerning form.

Shankland has scored just one Premiership goal this season after 11 games, a stark contrast to the exploits he delivered in front of goal last season.

And with his goals drying up of late, it’s wonder Hearts are struggling at the foot of the league having picked up just one victory to date.

Hearts lost to Kilmarnock on Wednesday night at Tynecastle, Critchley’s first taste of defeat as the new Gorgie boss after a run of three games unbeaten.

Shankland drew yet another blank against the Ayrshire side but ahead of facing St Johnstone in Perth this weekend, Critchley launched a stout defence of his main striker.

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Critchley on misfiring Shankland

Critchley told the press: “I’ve been really impressed with him. I spoke to him again on the training pitch this morning and of course he’s a striker, he wants to score goals, 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.

“If he keeps putting himself in certain situations then with his finishing ability off both feet or in his head, he will get goals, I’ve got no doubt.

“I’m really comfortable with the way he is. Of course, if he misses a chance or he misses a moment, he expects high standards from himself.

“He expects to score goals so it is a normal reaction that if you miss a chance or you don’t quite connect that there would be that initial reaction of disappointment.

“When we conceded the other night, I’m sure if you looked at me, I would be… It’s human. We’re all human. We all suffer emotions.”

Shankland will remain Hearts captain

One reporter asked Critchley whether he has considered relinquishing the Hearts captaincy from Shankland after his tough start to the season.

But the Englishman was quick to offer a reply, stating: “No, none at all. That doesn’t ever come into my thinking. Otherwise, you’re judging things on outcome all the time. Lawrence is captain. He’s captain for a reason and he’ll remain captain.

“Obviously, we were disappointed about losing the game the other night so there’s an obvious disappointment straight after the game but the response on Friday from himself and the team has been excellent so I’m looking forward to seeing how we play on Saturday.”