WE'RE GOING HAUL OUT

Shanks vows Jambos can handle being hunted after going top of scoring pile... and helping his side scale summit too

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LAWRENCE SHANKLAND moved to the top of the SPFL goal charts but was more chuffed to see Hearts climb to the Premiership summit.

The Jambos skipper became the leading scorer in the 12-year SPFL era after his strike in this Tynecastle victory over Falkirk took him past Rory McAllister and on to 163 goals.

Shankland was not bothered by that feat, though. Instead, he was more animated when summing up his joy in being part of a squad now setting the pace in the league.

Derek McInnes’ side have picked up 16 points from a possible 18 ahead of Saturday's Edinburgh derby and the Scotland marksman admits life in Gorgie is bliss.

He said: "I was made aware of the goal record and it's always nice to get a bit of recognition, obviously that's more long term as well.

"It's a good record to have but not something I'm overwhelmed about - although it's always nice.

"But it's a nice feeling to be top of the league. It backs up a good start to the season and we probably deserve to be there for what we've done.

"It's only a good start. We're so early in the season and we just need to keep building momentum, keep building on performances and if we keep playing like that, we should win more games than we lose"