Hearts boss Steven Naismith insists Lawrence Shankland’s Scotland snub could be a blessing in disguise for the striker.Naismith is hoping the upcoming international break will give the Jambos captain a much needed chance to recharge the batteries following an exhausting start to the campaign.
Shankland is set to start his 14th game in the space of two months when Hibs visit in today’s Edinburgh derby.And Naismith insists it is not the end of the world that national team boss Steve Clarke has left him out for the games against Spain and France.
Naismith said: “I spoke to Steve about Shanks, having the relationship with him and understanding of what he wants.“Shanks not being in the Scotland squad, circumstances mean he's not at where he was last season.
Is it worth him going away for a week and a half, training sometimes, travelling, not playing and wasting time? The gaffer knows him, the gaffer trusts him.
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