FIRST WITH THE BIG VIEWS

This time last year Jambos could only stare up the way.. Shanks is thrilled with new look

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LAWRENCE SHANKLAND much prefers a target on Hearts’ back than an entire league above their eyes.

And the captain has revealed the Tynecastle club's first real marker point of the title term as they look to stay clear of the pack.

Derek McInnes’ team head to Paisley aiming to extend a brilliant start to the season which has brought them an eight-point lead.

Exactly a year ago, it was a very different story as Hearts sat at the bottom of the league with neighbours Hibs.

Shankland accepts the target to be shot at will grow if the wins keep coming and said: “It could, aye. But I'd rather that be the issue than looking behind you and thinking: ‘We need to get away from the bottom here.

“That's what it was for a lot of spells last year so I'm quite enjoying this.”

The standard-setting skipper marked his 150th appearance for the club with a goal against Celtic and glanced back briefly before fixing his focus forward.

He said: “It feels positive. A lot of good wins in there, a lot of good moments, a good few goals as well. It's always proud.

“It’s probably the longest I’ve ever been at a club and to get that wee landmark, it’s a nice feeling.”

Hearts are refuting title talk with mini-targets the initial aim as Shankland explained: “We want to get as many wins as we can on the board as quickly as possible and we're well on the way to doing that. So it's a good start.