Hearts get Shankland back for Dundee after illness

2 years ago 98
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Venue: Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh Date: Tuesday, 23 January Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland Extra/DAB/810MW, live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app

Lawrence Shankland was back training with Hearts on Monday morning after missing Saturday's Scottish Cup win over Spartans with illness.

The Scotland forward has been the subject of speculation regarding a move away from Tynecastle with Rangers strongly linked with the player who has 18 months left in his current deal.

Manager Steven Naismith says Shankland will go straight into the squad for Tuesday night's Scottish Premiership match at home to Dundee, who were knocked out of the cup by Kilmarnock.

"He trained today so will be in the squad tomorrow," said Naismith.

"It's good having him back. He's in top form and as I have said many times he has leadership skills and is probably playing the best football of his life, so it's good to have him back in the squad."

Naismith also confirmed the club are interested in signing attacking midfielder Scott Fraser from Charlton. The former Dundee United player has held talks with Hearts and Naismith indicated the player could be available for Dundee's visit.

However, Naismith would not confirm who would play in goal on Tuesday. Scotland keeper Craig Gordon returned to the starting XI after 13 months out with a double leg break.

Zander Clark has tended goal for Hearts in Gordon's absence and Naismith is comfortable with whomever he picks to be his number one on Tuesday.

Did you know? Dundee are unbeaten in their past two meetings with Hearts and have not lost at Tynecastle since March 2021.

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