Lawrence Shankland admits being handed the captain's armband at Hearts became a catalyst for hitting the heights with club and country.
The Scotland striker enjoyed a stunning first season with the Jambos by netting 28 goals in 47 appearances which has been rewarded with a recall into Steve Clarke's national squad for this month's European qualifiers against Norway and Georgia. Former Tynecastle boss Robbie Neilson placed his trust in the former Ayr United hitman by naming him as skipper after a season ending injury to Craig Gordon back in December and the 27-year-old has remained on-field leader under newly appointed gaffer Steven Naismith.
Shankland is currently at Scotland's training camp in Spain and he believes the responsibility of leading out Hearts has been a transforming part of a career resurgence. He said: “It was a really strong season for me. My performances were at a high standard and I was really happy with them.
