I've nothing to prove here... the manager knows what he gets from me, I've played enough games

HEARTS skipper Lawrence Shankland insists he won't go in the huff over his first-team snub as he eyes a way back into Neil Critchley's plans.

- By Darren Johnstone

The 29-year-old striker was benched for Sunday's 1-0 home Premiership loss to Dundee United, with the Jambos boss instead opting to start with Jorge Grant at the top of the midfield diamond.

It was a blow to a player who has failed to hit the heights of last season's 31-goal haul across all competition.

Shankland who was also left out of Steve Clarke's most recent Scotland squad came on in the 71st minute with 10-man Hearts chasing an equaliser and is hoping he will be restored to the team for Saturday's crucial final pre-split clash at Motherwell.

He said: "It's disappointing. You want to play every game – I'm the same as all my team-mates in there every week.

"There are boys left out and not in the squad or on the bench.

"It's part of football. Everyone wants to play. Unfortunately, that can't be the case.

"You just come on and try to make an impact.