Hearts manager Neil Critchley reckons his side were the better team as Rangers recorded a 3-1 win at Tynecastle.
The Jambos boss has a point too; had it not been for the ‘magnificent’ performance of Jack Butland then Philippe Clement might be facing yet more Ibrox protests.
But the comments of Critchley bring into greater focus the profligate nature of the Hearts frontline, who spurned a host of chances to take something against Rangers.
They also highlight that for all the club’s faults in recent transfer windows, we probably did the right thing not being held to ransom over Lawrence Shankland.
Lawrence Shankland in Hearts downturn
Whilst it was Hearts striker Elton Kabangu who was the most guilty in missing chances v Rangers, Lawrence Shankland also failed to hit the target.
The Scotland international, 29, has long been linked with a move to Rangers but has seen his form fall off a cliff at Tynecastle this season.
Now in the final few months of his Hearts contract, the Jambos hitman was named Scotland’s Player of the Year last season but has been unable to repeat the feat this campaign.
Stinging Jack Butland’s glove with a rasping drive against Rangers, the striker failed to add to his paltry return of only four goals this season.
That’s a drastic downturn from the 31 that Lawrence Shankland scored last year.
Rangers refuse Hearts Lawrence Shankland random
A boyhood bluenose, Lawrence Shankland has been linked to Rangers throughout his career.
Even amongst Ibrox fans you will still hear discussions about Rangers potentially moving for Shankland when the striker’s contract expires in the summer.
It’s not a terrible idea; Shankland has bounced back from droughts in his career before and has shown his capabilities in scoring in the Scottish Premiership.
But a failure to sign Lawrence Shankland last January is often cited as a potential reason as to why Rangers’ title tilt collapsed.
Injuries to Danilo and Kemar Roofe had Rangers short in the final third but the club refused to be held to a Hearts’ ransom over the hitman.
Tynecastle CEO Andrew McKinlay claimed it would’ve taken at least £4.5m for Rangers to sign Shankland last winter.
Given the forward’s drastic drop off in form this season, Rangers will be feeling pretty smug that they never surrendered to these hefty demands.
Whilst the title slipped through the club’s fingers, it didn’t help that Fabio Silva was forced to play out left due to injuries…
