Neil Critchley picks out ‘real deal’ Hearts star and names reason for Lawrence Shankland dip.

Neil Critchley witnessed his team score six goals against Dundee, their finest performance of his tenure.

Since the Englishman’s arrival, the Jambos have risen to third place in the form league standings, and their performance against the Dee has only improved.

Lawrence Shankland opened the scoring, followed by a stunning goal from Blair Spittal. Elton Kabangu’s double gave him five goals in four games, while Musa Drammeh and Kenneth Vargas also scored.

They stay undefeated in 2025 and are currently seventh in the table, only a point below the top six and five behind fourth-placed Aberdeen as things stand.

Critchley acknowledges that further signings may be made before Monday’s deadline, indicating a positive atmosphere.

This comes after Kabangu and McCart contributed to the form, with Michael Steinwender and Sander Kartum remaining to be included.

Critchley has appreciation for Hearts’ Shankland.

Shankland, Hearts’ former talisman and goal machine, has having a difficult season.

Today’s goal was only his fourth of the season, despite scoring more than 50 in his previous two seasons with the club.

Shankland has admitted to facing fan abuse as a result of taking on responsibility.

A few weeks off with a minor injury seemed to have rejuvenated the number nine, and his manager was overjoyed.

When asked on BBC Radio Scotland if Shankland is the “real deal” again, Critchley said, “Yeah, and he’s looked like that in training.” There was a lot of stress on him playing a lot of minutes and games, and perhaps he simply needed that short vacation to recharge both physically and psychologically.

“During training, he appeared to be getting sharper in his intellect. When your thinking is sharper, you move a little better, so it’s no wonder he scored so well today.

“Shanks’ first goal is a brilliant strike, a proper goalscorer’s goal.” Spitts feeds it into him, and he doesn’t have much room, so he takes a fast shot with his left foot.”

Critchley’s opinions on Hearts’ performance in the Dundee trouncing

He said, “It’s not often that you win away from home in the style we did today. We scored some amazing goals, particularly the opening three.

“And we were clinical throughout the break as well. Maintaining a clean sheet is generally a positive indication.

“We’re in good form, playing well, but you still only get three points whether you win 1-0 or 6-0.”

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