| Where: Cappielow Park, Greenock Date: Monday, 11 March Kick-off: 19:45 GMT |
| Coverage: Watch on BBC Scotland & iPlayer, listen on BBC Radio Scotland Extra & BBC Sounds, live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app |
Lawrence Shankland says he “loves” playing for Hearts but has “a lot to consider” when it comes to his future.
Shankland, 28, has scored 27 goals in all competitions for Hearts this season, helping them to move 13 points clear in third place and into the last eight of the Scottish Cup.
The Scotland striker is contracted to Hearts until the summer of 2025.
“On the potential of moves and stuff for me a ‘big move’ is something Hearts can’t bring you,” Shankland said.
“Whether that’s playing in a different country or things like that. There is a lot to consider.
“I’m at a good age in my career so it’s obviously something I need to think about further down the line.
“But at this moment in time I’m happy and enjoying it.”
Shankland has also scored once for Scotland this season, a late equaliser away in Georgia, as he pushes for a place in Steve Clarke’s Euro 2024 squad.
His performances and goals have lead to speculation about a potential move away from Tynecastle, though the club have been firm about their valuation of Shankland and received no offers in the January window.
Shankland, who joined Hearts from Belgian club Beerschot in July 2022, says he has been able to shut out the noise.
‘I’m loved by the fans and that’s a huge help’
Asked if he can fulfil his ambitions at Tynecastle, the Hearts captain added: “You need to be realistic in what the club can achieve and what you can achieve as a player.
“Of course if the opportunity came to win things that you wouldn’t win [at Hearts], at places where you wouldn’t play at Hearts, it would obviously be tempting.
“It’s a football career and every other player is the same in that aspect.
“I would never be disrespectful to the situation I am in. I am under contract at Hearts. I love it here. I’m loved by the fans and that is obviously a huge help in things I do week to week.
“It’s been brilliant since I came here. Getting the opportunity to come here was about taking it and I feel I have done that.”
Hearts face Greenock Morton on Monday in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup, live on BBC Scotland.
Shankland is relishing the prospect of leading his side to Hampden, as the capital club aim for a first trophy success since 2012.
“It’s something we would love to achieve,” he said.
“We are in a good position in the quarter-final stage now. Morton will be a tough one for us.
“Professionally we can be the better team on the night and get through and get to Hampden again, and you never know where that takes you.”
