Lawrence Shankland is back in Scottish football as Hearts manager Robbie Neilson finally lands his long-term target.
Hearts have snapped up the Scotland international in a deal from Belgian outfit Beerschot as they add extra firepower to the striker position alongside Liam Boyce and Euan Henderson. The Tynecastle gaffer worked with the hitman during his time at Dundee United with the pair having a good relationship. They will now get down to hard work together in the capital as the Gorgie side aim to emulate the successes of last season this time around.
A third place finish behind champions Celtic and runners-up Rangers plus a Scottish Cup Final appearance earned guaranteed European group stage football this coming campaign. Entry at the Europa League play-off round leaves the capital side potentially just 180 minutes away from entering the tournament proper with victory over the two-legged tie. Defeat, and they have the parachute of Europa Conference League football which means a guaranteed eight Euro ties before Christmas.
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Neilson was desperate to beef up his attacking ranks with such a hectic schedule ahead of the World Cup as Hearts look to juggle playing Thursday-Sunday on a regular basis.
They kick off the return to competitive action in the Premiership in less than two weeks time against Ross County at Tynecastle with their European bid starting on August 18 with the return one week later.
Shankland and Co will find out their opponents for the final qualifying round in Europe's second tier competition on August 2.
It's been a busy summer to date for Hearts with Alan Forrest, Lewis Neilson, Kye Rowles, Alex Cochrane and Jorge Grant all in the door.
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