Hearts goal drought for Lawrence Shankland reminds pal of Hazard as skipper backed to grab big Rangers moment
Tynecastle midfielder Beni Baningime has no doubt his skipper will start firing again but says other players must help by chipping in
Lawrence Shankland is suffering a Hearts goal drought but he’s been backed to smash it
Lawrence Shankland is suffering a Hearts goal drought but he’s been backed to smash it (Image: SNS Group)
He’s going through what might be the worst goal drought of his career so far.
But if Hearts get one chance to score at Ibrox against Rangers today? There’s only one man Beni Baningime would want it to fall to. You have to feel for Lawrence Shankland right now. The Jambos’ captain and talisman is firing blanks at Tynecastle, having bagged just ONE goal in 17 games this term. Against German side Heidenheim in the Conference League on Thursday night, Shankland’s general play was excellent.
Neil Critchley disappointed with Hearts result but not performance as boss tells troops ‘let’s go again’ with Rangers up next
Neil Critchley disappointed with Hearts result but not performance as boss tells troops ‘let’s go again’ with Rangers up next
Rangers Premiership position is unacceptable and players must answer this question over Euro displays – Saturday Jury
Rangers Premiership position is unacceptable and players must answer this question over Euro displays – Saturday Jury
Why Lawrence Shankland is in and James Forrest is out as Scotland’s faith in misfiring Hearts striker explained
Why Lawrence Shankland is in and James Forrest is out as Scotland’s faith in misfiring Hearts striker explained
Craig Gordon driven by records and proving doubters wrong as Hearts legend eyes next milestone against Rangers
Craig Gordon driven by records and proving doubters wrong as Hearts legend eyes next milestone against Rangers
Lawrence Shankland will rediscover Hearts goalscoring magic as Critchley fierely rejects captaincy change
Lawrence Shankland will rediscover Hearts goalscoring magic as Critchley fierely rejects captaincy change
Hearts left to rue missed chances as perfect record gone after Bundesliga rookies step up a gear – 3 talking points
Hearts left to rue missed chances as perfect record gone after Bundesliga rookies step up a gear – 3 talking points
Olympiacos dressing room raves about Clement as Rangers boss earns tactical acclaim for doing in rivals
Olympiacos dressing room raves about Clement as Rangers boss earns tactical acclaim for doing in rivals
Neil Critchley plots Bundesliga double salvo with Hearts boss out to replicate Celtic against Heidenheim
Neil Critchley plots Bundesliga double salvo with Hearts boss out to replicate Celtic against Heidenheim
I love Rangers dogs of war giving us a bite and there’s 3 things I need to see next – Barry Ferguson
I love Rangers dogs of war giving us a bite and there’s 3 things I need to see next – Barry Ferguson
Motherwell boss frustrated by foul not given in build-up to Rangers winner in Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat
Motherwell boss frustrated by foul not given in build-up to Rangers winner in Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat
Craig Gordon dubbed Hearts’ father figure as legend ready to hit fresh landmark and leadership qualities laid bare
Craig Gordon dubbed Hearts’ father figure as legend ready to hit fresh landmark and leadership qualities laid bare
6 emerging Celtic headlines as in-demand star rips up Conference League and Wanyama embraces Sir Rod in classy moment
6 emerging Celtic headlines as in-demand star rips up Conference League and Wanyama embraces Sir Rod in classy moment
Dujon Sterling set Rangers challenge by Philippe Clement as Tom Lawrence suffers fresh injury blow
Dujon Sterling set Rangers challenge by Philippe Clement as Tom Lawrence suffers fresh injury blow
Philippe Clement comes out fighting as Rangers boss admits even his WIFE is putting pressure on for wins
Philippe Clement comes out fighting as Rangers boss admits even his WIFE is putting pressure on for wins
Connor Barron warns Rangers ‘we can’t be slacking now’ as rising star completely stumped over one big question
Connor Barron warns Rangers ‘we can’t be slacking now’ as rising star completely stumped over one big question
Blockbuster Steven Gerrard return to Rangers forces cynical Liverpool best mate to insist ‘never say never’
Blockbuster Steven Gerrard return to Rangers forces cynical Liverpool best mate to insist ‘never say never’
Clement stirs something deep inside Rangers dressing room as Diomande tells fans how much under-fire stars care
Clement stirs something deep inside Rangers dressing room as Diomande tells fans how much under-fire stars care
Philippe Clement declares Rangers believe in miracles as he eyes Man Utd and Tottenham shocks
Philippe Clement declares Rangers believe in miracles as he eyes Man Utd and Tottenham shocks
Dumbarton’s Sena Niang says gamble of part-time switch paying off with Sons
Dumbarton’s Sena Niang says gamble of part-time switch paying off with Sons
I sensed moment Rangers fans turned on them at Hampden and it HAUNTS me that we didn’t take advantage
I sensed moment Rangers fans turned on them at Hampden and it HAUNTS me that we didn’t take advantage
Neil Critchley disappointed with Hearts result but not performance as boss tells troops ‘let’s go again’ with Rangers up next
Neil Critchley disappointed with Hearts result but not performance as boss tells troops ‘let’s go again’ with Rangers up next
Rangers Premiership position is unacceptable and players must answer this question over Euro displays – Saturday Jury
Rangers Premiership position is unacceptable and players must answer this question over Euro displays – Saturday Jury
Why Lawrence Shankland is in and James Forrest is out as Scotland’s faith in misfiring Hearts striker explained
Why Lawrence Shankland is in and James Forrest is out as Scotland’s faith in misfiring Hearts striker explained
Craig Gordon driven by records and proving doubters wrong as Hearts legend eyes next milestone against Rangers
Craig Gordon driven by records and proving doubters wrong as Hearts legend eyes next milestone against Rangers
Lawrence Shankland will rediscover Hearts goalscoring magic as Critchley fierely rejects captaincy change
Lawrence Shankland will rediscover Hearts goalscoring magic as Critchley fierely rejects captaincy change
Hearts left to rue missed chances as perfect record gone after Bundesliga rookies step up a gear – 3 talking points
Hearts left to rue missed chances as perfect record gone after Bundesliga rookies step up a gear – 3 talking points
Olympiacos dressing room raves about Clement as Rangers boss earns tactical acclaim for doing in rivals
Olympiacos dressing room raves about Clement as Rangers boss earns tactical acclaim for doing in rivals
Neil Critchley plots Bundesliga double salvo with Hearts boss out to replicate Celtic against Heidenheim
Neil Critchley plots Bundesliga double salvo with Hearts boss out to replicate Celtic against Heidenheim
I love Rangers dogs of war giving us a bite and there’s 3 things I need to see next – Barry Ferguson
I love Rangers dogs of war giving us a bite and there’s 3 things I need to see next – Barry Ferguson
Motherwell boss frustrated by foul not given in build-up to Rangers winner in Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat
Motherwell boss frustrated by foul not given in build-up to Rangers winner in Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat
Craig Gordon dubbed Hearts’ father figure as legend ready to hit fresh landmark and leadership qualities laid bare
Craig Gordon dubbed Hearts’ father figure as legend ready to hit fresh landmark and leadership qualities laid bare
6 emerging Celtic headlines as in-demand star rips up Conference League and Wanyama embraces Sir Rod in classy moment
6 emerging Celtic headlines as in-demand star rips up Conference League and Wanyama embraces Sir Rod in classy moment
Dujon Sterling set Rangers challenge by Philippe Clement as Tom Lawrence suffers fresh injury blow
Dujon Sterling set Rangers challenge by Philippe Clement as Tom Lawrence suffers fresh injury blow
Philippe Clement comes out fighting as Rangers boss admits even his WIFE is putting pressure on for wins
Philippe Clement comes out fighting as Rangers boss admits even his WIFE is putting pressure on for wins
Connor Barron warns Rangers ‘we can’t be slacking now’ as rising star completely stumped over one big question
Connor Barron warns Rangers ‘we can’t be slacking now’ as rising star completely stumped over one big question
Blockbuster Steven Gerrard return to Rangers forces cynical Liverpool best mate to insist ‘never say never’
Blockbuster Steven Gerrard return to Rangers forces cynical Liverpool best mate to insist ‘never say never’
Clement stirs something deep inside Rangers dressing room as Diomande tells fans how much under-fire stars care
Clement stirs something deep inside Rangers dressing room as Diomande tells fans how much under-fire stars care
Philippe Clement declares Rangers believe in miracles as he eyes Man Utd and Tottenham shocks
Philippe Clement declares Rangers believe in miracles as he eyes Man Utd and Tottenham shocks
Dumbarton’s Sena Niang says gamble of part-time switch paying off with Sons
Dumbarton’s Sena Niang says gamble of part-time switch paying off with Sons
I sensed moment Rangers fans turned on them at Hampden and it HAUNTS me that we didn’t take advantage
I sensed moment Rangers fans turned on them at Hampden and it HAUNTS me that we didn’t take advantage
Neil Critchley disappointed with Hearts result but not performance as boss tells troops ‘let’s go again’ with Rangers up next
Neil Critchley disappointed with Hearts result but not performance as boss tells troops ‘let’s go again’ with Rangers up next
Rangers Premiership position is unacceptable and players must answer this question over Euro displays – Saturday Jury
Rangers Premiership position is unacceptable and players must answer this question over Euro displays – Saturday Jury
Why Lawrence Shankland is in and James Forrest is out as Scotland’s faith in misfiring Hearts striker explained
Why Lawrence Shankland is in and James Forrest is out as Scotland’s faith in misfiring Hearts striker explained
Craig Gordon driven by records and proving doubters wrong as Hearts legend eyes next milestone against Rangers
Craig Gordon driven by records and proving doubters wrong as Hearts legend eyes next milestone against Rangers
Lawrence Shankland will rediscover Hearts goalscoring magic as Critchley fierely rejects captaincy change
Lawrence Shankland will rediscover Hearts goalscoring magic as Critchley fierely rejects captaincy change
Hearts left to rue missed chances as perfect record gone after Bundesliga rookies step up a gear – 3 talking points
Hearts left to rue missed chances as perfect record gone after Bundesliga rookies step up a gear – 3 talking points
Olympiacos dressing room raves about Clement as Rangers boss earns tactical acclaim for doing in rivals
Olympiacos dressing room raves about Clement as Rangers boss earns tactical acclaim for doing in rivals
Neil Critchley plots Bundesliga double salvo with Hearts boss out to replicate Celtic against Heidenheim
Neil Critchley plots Bundesliga double salvo with Hearts boss out to replicate Celtic against Heidenheim
I love Rangers dogs of war giving us a bite and there’s 3 things I need to see next – Barry Ferguson
I love Rangers dogs of war giving us a bite and there’s 3 things I need to see next – Barry Ferguson
Motherwell boss frustrated by foul not given in build-up to Rangers winner in Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat
Motherwell boss frustrated by foul not given in build-up to Rangers winner in Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat
Craig Gordon dubbed Hearts’ father figure as legend ready to hit fresh landmark and leadership qualities laid bare
Craig Gordon dubbed Hearts’ father figure as legend ready to hit fresh landmark and leadership qualities laid bare
6 emerging Celtic headlines as in-demand star rips up Conference League and Wanyama embraces Sir Rod in classy moment
6 emerging Celtic headlines as in-demand star rips up Conference League and Wanyama embraces Sir Rod in classy moment
Dujon Sterling set Rangers challenge by Philippe Clement as Tom Lawrence suffers fresh injury blow
Dujon Sterling set Rangers challenge by Philippe Clement as Tom Lawrence suffers fresh injury blow
Philippe Clement comes out fighting as Rangers boss admits even his WIFE is putting pressure on for wins
Philippe Clement comes out fighting as Rangers boss admits even his WIFE is putting pressure on for wins
Connor Barron warns Rangers ‘we can’t be slacking now’ as rising star completely stumped over one big question
Connor Barron warns Rangers ‘we can’t be slacking now’ as rising star completely stumped over one big question
Blockbuster Steven Gerrard return to Rangers forces cynical Liverpool best mate to insist ‘never say never’
Blockbuster Steven Gerrard return to Rangers forces cynical Liverpool best mate to insist ‘never say never’
Clement stirs something deep inside Rangers dressing room as Diomande tells fans how much under-fire stars care
Clement stirs something deep inside Rangers dressing room as Diomande tells fans how much under-fire stars care
Philippe Clement declares Rangers believe in miracles as he eyes Man Utd and Tottenham shocks
Philippe Clement declares Rangers believe in miracles as he eyes Man Utd and Tottenham shocks
Dumbarton’s Sena Niang says gamble of part-time switch paying off with Sons
Dumbarton’s Sena Niang says gamble of part-time switch paying off with Sons
I sensed moment Rangers fans turned on them at Hampden and it HAUNTS me that we didn’t take advantage
I sensed moment Rangers fans turned on them at Hampden and it HAUNTS me that we didn’t take advantage
But a crisis in confidence saw him snatch at a few big opportunities that he’d normally stick away. Baningime is fully behind his team-mate, who racked up an incredible tally of 33 last term. The midfielder has absolutely no doubts that Shankland will start scoring again – potentially against Gers tonight.
READ MORE: Rangers and Hibs rejected me and I was freed by Hearts so I worked in Costa Coffee – now I could be Premiership-bound
READ MORE: Tavernier exile continues, Danilo in from the cold and Propper fresh start – How Rangers will line up against Hearts at Ibrox
He cited the example of former Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard, who notched 22 goals in his last campaign at Stamford Bridge – before moving to Real Madrid where he only managed a solitary strike in 2019/20. Baningime knows it can happen to the best. But he’s adamant Shankland will find his shooting boots again – and wouldn’t bet against him at Ibrox.
He said: “I’m 100% confident in Lawrence. You don’t score as many goals as he’s done for the last two seasons. The best players go through it. I remember one season when Hazard was absolutely world class at Chelsea. Then you looked at him the following year and thought, OK. So, it happens.
“If you’re an opposition team and you’re looking to stop someone, it’s going to be Lawrence because he scores so many goals and is a great player. So for me, I’m confident he’ll turn it around. He’s a top character and his ability speaks for itself. He knows how to score goals. Of course, he’s frustrated because of the standards he’s set.
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“If you have expectations of yourself, and there’s expectations from the fans and the media, you’re going to be frustrated. But I back him all the way and we’re there for him. It’s up to other guys to chip in with goals as well. He shouldn’t carry that burden alone and it can’t solely be on him.
“But when you score as many as he has for Hearts, he’s always going to be disappointed when it’s not happening. He’s set high standards and he wants to meet those.
“But if we get a chance against Rangers on Sunday there’s only one guy I’d want to get it and that’s Lawrence, 100%. If I had to choose one player, it would be him. I’d certainly rather it falls to him than me, But if it lands for anyone at Ibrox, hopefully they can put it away.”
Hearts lost their perfect record in the Conference League against Heidenheim but didn’t disgrace themselves against the Bundesliga side. In a dominant first half, they got after the Germans and should have been at least a goal in front.
Hearts dejection as Heidenheim grab victory at Tynecastle
They were made to pay for their profligacy but Baningime was encouraged by their attacking approach and expects the same ploy at Ibrox from new gaffer Neil Critchley. He said: “We put Heidenheim under a lot of pressure and created chances.
“Unfortunately we didn’t put them away and they scored from nowhere. It was tough to take but they’re a top team who aren’t in the Bundesliga for no reason.
“We need to take encouragement from that to Ibrox. We’re facing another top team on Sunday so there’s no point feeling sorry for ourselves.
“We have to do the same again. It’s a hard place to go but we have to dust ourselves off and put in a similar performance to that first half on Thursday. I think the manager will take a similar approach against Rangers. We’ll be on the front foot.
“From his first day, he’s wanted us to press and be compact. We’re playing better and we’re getting better results from that.
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“We need to turn things around in the league and get up the table. It hasn’t been good enough so far and we know that.”
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Lawrence Shankland will rediscover Hearts goalscoring magic as Critchley fierely rejects captaincy change
Lawrence Shankland will rediscover Hearts goalscoring magic as Critchley fierely rejects captaincy change
Hearts left to rue missed chances as perfect record gone after Bundesliga rookies step up a gear – 3 talking points
Hearts left to rue missed chances as perfect record gone after Bundesliga rookies step up a gear – 3 talking points
Olympiacos dressing room raves about Clement as Rangers boss earns tactical acclaim for doing in rivals
Olympiacos dressing room raves about Clement as Rangers boss earns tactical acclaim for doing in rivals
Neil Critchley plots Bundesliga double salvo with Hearts boss out to replicate Celtic against Heidenheim
Neil Critchley plots Bundesliga double salvo with Hearts boss out to replicate Celtic against Heidenheim
I love Rangers dogs of war giving us a bite and there’s 3 things I need to see next – Barry Ferguson
I love Rangers dogs of war giving us a bite and there’s 3 things I need to see next – Barry Ferguson
Motherwell boss frustrated by foul not given in build-up to Rangers winner in Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat
Motherwell boss frustrated by foul not given in build-up to Rangers winner in Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat
Craig Gordon dubbed Hearts’ father figure as legend ready to hit fresh landmark and leadership qualities laid bare
Craig Gordon dubbed Hearts’ father figure as legend ready to hit fresh landmark and leadership qualities laid bare
6 emerging
