LEADER OF ZEN

Critchley entirely relaxed with Shanks' load as captaincy no obstacle

- MOIRA GORDON

NEIL CRITCHLEY insists he's keeping the faith in under-fire Lawrence Shankland's ability to boss it on the pitch.

Since returning from Scotland duty in the summer, last season's Player of the Year has failed to recapture the form that saw him put away 59 goals in a fruitful first two terms at Hearts.

It has led to questioning in the Tynecastle stands on whether he should be stripped of the captaincy to help him refocus.

But new Gorgie gaffer Critchley has not even considered a downgrade.

He said: "No, not at all. That doesn't ever come into my thinking. Lawrence is captain.

He's captain for a reason and he'll remain captain.

"I've been really impressed with him. I spoke to him again on the training pitch this morning and of course he's a striker, he wants to score goals, he's frustrated that he's not hitting the back of the net.