Hearts manager Steven Naismith claims that a mystery illness has kept Rangers-linked Lawrence Shankland out of their Scottish Cup clash with Spartans FC.
The Jambos manager also said that the club will “see how that plays out” over the coming days with Hearts playing Dundee on Scottish Premiership duties in midweek.
Hearts also welcome back legendary Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 41, to their starting XI for the first time in over two years following a horrific leg break in December 2022.
Lawrence Shankland has been strongly linked with a move to Rangers with the striker’s Scottish Cup absence sending the transfer rumour mill into overdrive.
Steven Naismith explains Lawrence Shankland absence
Speaking ahead of the Scottish Cup clash in Edinburgh, Naismith was calm when pressed on the Lawrence Shankland situation.
Insisting the absence is down to an illness, Rangers and Hearts fans will be plenty interested in what the Jambos boss has had to say.
”Last few days he’s been ill,” Naismith told BBC Sport. “He’s not been in the building since Tuesday or Wednesday.
“And to be honest it’s probably no great effect having him here. We’ve got a busy week we’ll just see how that plays out today and tomorrow in the run up to Dundee.
Asked to allay the fears of Hearts fans regarding the striker’s future: “He’s not been seen or been with the group. He’s been in contact with the medical staff and their advice has been to stay away.
“So unfortunately that’s it. I’m confident with the team we’ve got that we should be able to go on today and put Spartans under pressure.”
Hearts striker Rangers rumours go into overdrive
The comments of Steven Naismith will do little to stop transfer rumours about Lawrence Shankland and a potential move to Rangers.
Philippe Clement has previously admitted the club are on the hunt for a new striker with the 18-goal Hearts talisman amongst those most prominently mentioned.
Whilst the forward might not fit the club’s player trading model, the Scotland star’s talent in front of goal and knowledge of the game here could be vital in securing the title in a tight run in.
The fact the striker is not involved in the Scottish Cup fourth round clash also means that he would not cup tied for later rounds of the competition should he move to Ibrox.
