Alan Forrest would love Lawrence Shankland to team up with him again at Hearts. Robbie Neilson is understood to be interested in a reunion with the former Dundee United striker as he looks to increase his firepower ahead of the new campaign.
Shankland’ s current club Beerschot insist the Scotland international is not for sale so there’s a way to go before any potential deal gets done. If it does happen, then a previously productive partnership could be rekindled. Forrest and Shankland spent two years together at Ayr United in a killer combination that saw them score 74 goals between them.
The majority of those were Shankland’s, but Forrest provided eight assists. Both have developed since, making the step up to the Premiership with United and Livingston respectively, and Forrest is keen to team up with his old mate in the top flight.
“Definitely, I played with him for a couple of years at Ayr and he knew where the net was, he told Record Sport . “He banged in 20 plus that season and it wasn’t just his goals; with his hold up play he can link players in. It was really good for me to link up with him.
“There’s more to his game than goals too. Although he knows where the net is, he’s not selfish either. He can bring his wingers into play and he’s a really good team player with a lot of good attributes.
“I don’t know what the situation is with [Hearts], but if he came in it would definitely be a good addition.
“I’ve not been in touch with him too much. I spoke to him last month but I wasn’t sure about his situation. I’m not sure if it’s progressed since then.
“After he made the step up from the Championship, he was still scoring goals. He didn't get as many as he did playing with Ayr, but with that step up, it is different. I thought he did really well during his time at Dundee United.
“But he was really good to play with at Ayr and I don’t think there would be any issue with him doing it at this level.”
Forrest is no top flight rookie, but knows he’s stepping up a level from Livingston.
In brother James, he has someone to call on who knows all about the demands of playing for a big club, and Forrest revealed his sibling was of a similar mind after telling him his first choice destination this season was Tynecastle.
“Yeah he was talking to me, my dad as well,” he explained.”My family all agreed and were on the same page as me and were all buzzing that I managed to get it over the line.”
Dundee United were also keen to try and land Forrest from Livi, but did that come close to happening/
“Not really,” Forrest replied. “After speaking to the manager here, I had it in my head quite early on that I wanted to come.
“There was other interest but I felt this was the one for me.”
There’s nothing better for team bonding than a trip away. Hearts are currently in Spain and are being put through their pre-season paces in the sun.
Of course, such occasions also mean the new boys have to show their signing skills,
Forrest is relieved that ordeal is out of the way after he, Lewis Neilson and Alex Cochrane had to pick a tune and go for it.
“I’m settling in and it’s good coming over here for the week as well and meeting the team,” he said. “They’ve been very welcoming.
“We had to do our initiations on Friday night. Myself and the other new signings, there were three or four boys who got it done.
“I went with A Little Respect by Erasure! There were a couple of other good ones as well. I wasn’t sure when it was going to happen but I suppose that’s it out the way. Good to get it done early!”
Recruiting from Livingston has worked well for Hearts in previous seasons.
Craig Halkett is entering his fourth year in maroon after signing on a pre-contract from the West Lothian club in 2019
Despite the controversial demotion that saw his first campaign in the capital end prematurely, the former Rangers kid has gone from strength to strength since, establishing himself as a key man in defence.
His dominant displays were rewarded with a first Scotland call-up last month, as well as a new three-year contract from Hearts.
It’s an example Forrest is keen to follow.
“Craig had a good few years at Livingston and he’s obviously made the step up,” he said. “He’s done really well.
“He’s in and about the Scotland set-up and that just shows you how well he’s performed. It just shows you that if you come and do well at a club like this, of this size, that’s there for you if you’re doing it on the pitch.
“For me, that’s one I'm looking for. If you’re putting in the performances, that can happen.”
