Steven Naismith insists Hearts transfer noise won't bother Lawrence Shankland as striker chats show one clear thought

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Steven Naismith has eased fears Lawrence Shankland is heading for a Hearts exit after admitting the prolific striker is in line for a return against Dundee tonight.Speculation over the 18-goal Jambos skipper’s future had been rife over the weekend after illness saw him sit out Saturday’s Scottish Cup win over Spartans.

Missing that game means the in-demand Shankland could play for a new club in the next round should he be sold before the January transfer window slams shut.But the 28-year-old – strongly linked with Rangers – is in line to face the Dark Blues and Hearts gaffer Naismith said: “He trained today so he’s back involved in the squad.

The reason he wasn’t in the building is because the medical staff assessed him and thought he shouldn’t be here. Now he’s allowed back, he’s trained and he can be available if he’s come through that all right.” Asked how the Scotland striker handles the intense speculation surrounding his future, Naismith added: “The main conversations I’ve had with him are about what happens here.“The uncontrollables are, he can’t dictate that there’s a move happening or there’s not a move happening.

The only thing he can do is concentrate on his football. Everything else takes care of itself.“As a player I found that hard to deal with.