Liam Boyce has backed Lawrence Shankland to burst the 20-goal barrier for Hearts.
Tynecastle legend John Robertson was the last player to achieve that feat some time ago but the Jambos striker is convinced his team-mate will hit that total and beyond after a stunning start to the campaign that has him already on 14 goals in all competitions including 11 Scottish Premiership strikes to date after his double against Kilmarnock.
Robbie Neilson was desperate to bring the Scotland international to the capital club over the summer after working with him at Dundee United. His patience and insistence on getting a deal over the line is paying off for the Gorgie boss. Boyce - out injured with an ACL but tied up to a fresh contract - believes Shanks is the perfect striker for Hearts and will '100 per cent' fire 20 goals and more this campaign. He told the Scottish Sun: “Lawrence will do it, 100 per cent. We knew as soon as he came in that he’s the perfect forward for our team.
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
“Last year we were dominating games and just needed someone to put the ball in the net every time it comes in.
“And that’s what he does. That’s what he’s best at.
“He even played a different sort of position against Kilmarnock and still scored twice.
“He always ends up in the right position and that’s what everyone in football wants — someone who is going to do that.
“The way we played in the first half last Saturday, if we carry that on Lawrence will go and score 20 or even 30.”
READ NEXT:
- Kye Rowles wants Hearts STAY as Robbie Neilson expects him to remain for a 'good period longer'
