From the moment he made his debut for Queen's Park against Elgin as a 16-year-old in the bottom tier, it was clear to all that Lawrence Shankland's natural talents could take him far. The forward's ultimate destination was always going to depend on his willingness to absorb information, process it, and evolve. While scoring goals seemed as instinctive as breathing as he approached his mid-20s, questions lingered over whether the lightbulb moment would ever arrive.
Shankland scored freely with Ayr United and Dundee United, just as he had during earlier loan spells at Dunfermline and St Mirren. However, concerns that he was too one-dimensional led to his move to Beerschot in Belgium five years ago with little fanfare. The forward was 26 when he returned to Scotland with Hearts a year later, carrying a reputation as a deadly finisher but lacking other key skills.
His development over four seasons in Gorgie has shattered the notion that a player is fully formed by that age. The goals continued to flow—88 in total for Hearts. But it is Shankland's growing understanding of the demands of his position that has caught everyone's attention in ways no statistic can capture. No longer is he seen merely as a goal scorer; he has listened, learned, and become a far more complete centre forward.
Steven Naismith's Verdict
"Lawrence is someone I've worked with closely, and I think he's at his best ever now at 30 years old," said his former Hearts manager and current Scotland assistant Steven Naismith. "He's taken time to reach that point, but in the last two or three years, his progression has been better than most in the squad. He's faced challenges and tough moments, but he's rebounded and come back stronger."
Naismith added, "I first came across him as a forward when I was a player, and he was a finisher with no real game knowledge. When I worked with him as a coach, that changed massively. His game intelligence and finesse are top level. He's not just done it in easy games; he's delivered in big moments. At the end of my time at Hearts, he found it tough, but he rebounded and became the best player in Scotland for me. He's a great weapon to have going into a World Cup."
Rangers' Leadership Gap
Ten days ago, Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh suggested that the team's shortcomings last season were largely due to mentality issues. He said the club needed to sign talented footballers who also stood out as leaders. Why this was overlooked a year ago remains a mystery, but a lesson has been learned. Shankland's capture addresses a long-standing flaw in the Ibrox squad's makeup.
"That's an area people won't give him credit for—his leadership skills are as good as I've seen," Naismith said. "In tough moments, he'll step up and say, 'I'll deal with this.' He understands the pressure on players. His leadership has developed thanks to coaches like Robbie Neilson who gave him the captaincy."
World Cup Implications
While Hearts are frustrated at losing a player they believed was contracted for two more years, they at least have the summer to address the situation. From Scotland's perspective, it's better that Shankland's move happened before a World Cup that brings enough challenges.
"For me, over the last three or four years, Lawrence has been arguably the best player in Scotland overall—for leadership, goal scoring, importance to the team, and build-up play," Naismith continued. "He's taken time to reach that comfort zone. I believe he's at his best now, at the perfect moment before a World Cup. He's as good as he's ever been in every aspect."
Shankland's growing stature is evident in the debate about his role for Scotland compared to two years ago in Germany. Despite a 30-goal season with Hearts, he was viewed as a backup to Che Adams in 2024. This time feels different. Whether Steve Clarke plays one or two forwards, Shankland seems to be at the front of the queue.
Scotland's Striking Options
"Every striker in this squad believes they should start for Scotland," Naismith said. "The players selected have different qualities, and all will be needed. The good thing is we can play several formations. We've shown we're good at playing two strikers, whether with a back five or a 4-4-2. The gaffer has an idea for each game, but the next two weeks will decide. It's up to the players to show they deserve to start."
There is growing expectation that Shankland may not be the only Scotland player signing a new deal this week. Clarke stated his future would be resolved before the squad heads to the USA on Sunday. A new contract through to Euro 2028 would be welcomed. Naismith is confident the matter won't be a distraction.
"He's a manager who has got us to three tournaments and built something brilliant," Naismith said. "What he's told us has been true—he said the boys would reach a World Cup, and they have. I'm sure it will be sorted before a ball is kicked."
