'We're in the game, we see it differently' - Hearts skipper doesn't buy Celtic and Rangers 'turmoil' claims
Lawrence Shankland says they will continue to block out the noise of from other clubs and continue to focus on what they can control.
For a team outside of Celtic or Rangers to win the Scottish Premiership title they will almost certainly not only need to maintain an incredibly high standard but also hope that the two Glasgow giants drop as many points as possible over the course of 38 games.
However, Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland recognises that his side need to block out the noise coming from other clubs and focus on themselves and their own results. He also rejected the idea that the Old Firm sides have both had ‘turmoils’ this season, saying that those ‘in the game’ see these things differently.
Celtic have lost four games in a row in all competitions since appointing Wilfried Nancy as their new manager while sections of their support continue to put pressure on their board with protests. Rangers, who Hearts face at Tynecastle this weekend, endured a dreadful start to the season under previous boss Russell Martin and have only recently picked up their form since the appointment of Danny Rohl.
Hearts skipper drowns out noise from Celtic and Rangers and focuses on table topping Jambos
Asked if he felt the ‘turmoil’ that both Glasgow clubs had gone through this season had impacted the way the Hearts players are viewing heir chances in a title race this season, Shankland was quick to set the record straight. “I don't really see it as turmoil,” he said.
“We're in the game. We see it differently. We're players who understand the situation teams are in. We can only concentrate on ourselves. We can't really interest ourselves in what's going on outwith these doors.
“We just need to keep trying to win games of football and concentrate on getting points on the board for Hearts. Wherever that takes us, it takes us.”
Shankland added he expects a tough game against the Ibrox club at Tynecastle this Sunday. Danny Rohl’s side have not lost a league match since Hearts won in Govan back in September with seven wins and four draws from 11 fixtures.
“Rangers have picked up a bit over the last few weeks and got a few results on the board,” said Shankland. “You know when the Old Firm come through, it's always a difficult game, but we managed to get through to Ibrox and win. Them coming to the other ground, they want to go and win the game.”
Hearts start as favourites at home to Rangers as title race heats up
The bookmakers, and many pundits, make Hearts favourites to win Sunday’s match at Tynecastle. That’s a tag that Shankland welcomes and says they are capable of dealing with the pressure that comes with it.
“It’s the position that we've worked ourselves into in the league, but it's always nice. Going in as favourites, it's a wee bit of pressure on you, but it's one that we're capable of dealing with. Hopefully we can go and come out the favourites as well at the end of it.”
Celtic and Rangers would traditionally enter matches, home or away, against other clubs in the Scottish top flight as the pre-match favourites. The Hearts skipper says that the history of the Scottish games has dictated that to an extent but believes his team’s strong position and reputation this season has helped change that.
“I think it's always been there because of the history of Scottish football, it's hard not to address what the two clubs have done for centuries now. It's something that you do need to deal with, but it's about playing the Rangers team and the Celtic team that's in front of you on the day.
“That's always been the case, but I think our position, we're in a strong position and our reputation this season obviously helps bring confidence to us. We should be confident because we are where we are because we deserve to be there at the minute. As I said, we can gain the confidence in these games.”