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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

'Kyogo couldn't finish that' - Boyd hails Hearts' Shankland as 'best in the league'

Kris Boyd has hailed Lawrence Shankland as the best finisher in Scotland after the Hearts captain won the Edinburgh derby for Hearts with a terrific strike.

The Scotland international scored the winner for his side at Easter Road in stoppage time as he curled into the top corner in front of the travelling Hearts support.

And Boyd was suitably impressed by Shankland once again as the leading scorer in the division popped up to strike in the big moment once again.

But the former Rangers striker couldn't resist a reference to Celtic as he praised Shankland and insisted his finishing far exceeds Kyogo Furuhashi.

On Sky Sports, Boyd said: "I have spoken about Kyogo in this league in terms of the different types of strikers.

"Kyogo couldn't finish that. His finishing is unbelievable and for me, he is the best in the league."

Former Hibs and Celtic manager Neil Lennon was also full of praise for Shankland after his sucker-punch finish to claim derby triumph.

"Big players come up with big moments and he is a big player," said Lennon.

"The finish is just magnificent. David Marshall has absolutely no chance.

"He is just on fire and he is the difference for Hearts this season.

"They are worth their weight in gold, these players."

After the match, Steven Naismith agreed with the verdict on Shankland as he too branded the striker as the best finisher in the country.

He added: "We spoke about Shanks[ Shankland] before the game.

"He has won this game with his finish and Zander [Clark] has won us the game by saving the penalty.

" [Shankland] He is a big personality, he is a leader. I have said a few times that he wants the best and works hard for himself and the team.

"When I started with Shanks as a player he did understand always holding up the play and being in the right position.

"[His goal tonight] that is Shanks and he has done it his whole career. His hold up play is much better and it is that understanding of the game that is much better.

"He is the best finisher in the league for me."

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