Steven Naismith lauded Lawrence Shankland as a "lethal finisher" following the striker's milestone 50th goal for Hearts in their 1-0 victory over St Johnstone. Shankland, who arrived at Hearts from Belgian side Beerschot in 2022, achieved this feat in just over one-and-a-half seasons with the club.

Manager Naismith praised Shankland's remarkable goal-scoring prowess, hailing him as the premier striker in the league. He credited Shankland's success to his exceptional skill, finesse, and determination, especially with the upcoming Euros on the horizon, where Shankland will represent Scotland.

The win against St Johnstone solidified Hearts' 12-point lead in the race for third place in the Premiership, marking their sixth consecutive triumph across all competitions and their 12th victory in 15 league games since November.

Naismith expressed contentment with his team's performance, recognizing the challenge posed by St Johnstone's defensive tactics. He stressed the need for continuous improvement, particularly in the area of goal-scoring, despite their ongoing winning streak.

St Johnstone manager Craig Levein applauded his team's effort, acknowledging their ability to compete against one of the top teams in the league. Despite the defeat, Levein highlighted his team's possession and performance, especially against a formidable Hearts side.

Levein endorsed Shankland's selection for the Scotland squad in the European Championship, citing his impressive track record and the significant impact he has had on Hearts' performances throughout the season. He expressed admiration for Shankland's abilities and reiterated his belief in the striker's deserving place in the national team.