Shankland deserves player of the year award - Naismith

Hearts boss Steven Naismith believes Lawrence Shankland can scoop every Premiership player of the year award going this season.

The Scotland forward, has bagged 28 goals for the Tynecastle side this term to book Hearts’ top-three finish in the table.

Naismith, 28, was one of the four Premiership Player of the Year nominees announced by PFA Scotland this week – alongside Celtic’s Matt O’Riley, and Rangers duo James Tavernier and Jack Butland.

And with the winner to be revealed on Sunday, Naismith believes his in-form skipper is the leading contender to take the award.

“I’m not sure it’s close, if I’m honest,” he said.

“I think he’s been the best player, I think he should win it, I expect him to win it, I expect him to win the media award as well.”

While Shankland is on the shortlist for player of the year, Naismith’s name was a notable absence from the manager of the year shortlist – with Premiership rivals Derek McInnes at Kilmarnock and Dundee’s Tony Docherty joining Falkirk boss John McGlynn among the nominees.

“This season has been really good for managers who have done really well,” Naismith said.

“John McGlynn has had an incredible achievement at Falkirk and Stephen Robinson, Tony Docherty and Derek McInnes have all been brilliant as well.

“For me, in my first year leading a team, the time and the commitment all these guys give me is invaluable. I’m just privileged to be in a position where you get some contact time with these guys.”

“I think we’ve had a really good season. Obviously the first few months when you’re a new manager, you’re there to be hit and be pressured. People want to see if you can stand up to the scrutiny as well as putting on performances and getting results, and we’ve done that.”