Lawrence Shankland goal lifts Hearts hopes despite defeat to Rosenborg

A late goal from Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland boosted his side’s chance of European progress despite their 2-1 loss to Rosenborg.

The Norwegian side had a two-goal lead at half-time in the first leg of the Europa Conference League third qualifying round, but a late goal from the visitors sets up an exciting return match at Tynecastle.

Hearts had made changes to the team that defeated St Johnstone on the opening day of the league season, with Alex Lowry being given his first start and Beni Baningime back in the starting line-up after a long injury lay-off last season.

Just 14 minutes into the game at the Lerkendal Stadion, Baningime was given the slip by 16-year-old Sverre Nypan, who fed Emil Frederiksen to put Rosenborg in the lead.

Just before half-time, Baningime was bested by Nypan again, trying to pull down the young midfielder but unable to stop him from setting up Jayden Nelson for a close-range finish.

Hearts had a job on their hands to turn things around in the second half and keep their hopes alive, and they managed to get that lift 12 minutes from time.

Stephen Kingsley delivered a cross from the left and Shankland planted a header past Andre Hansen to ensure that a win by more than one goal for Hearts in next Thursday’s return match will ensure progress to face Hajduk Split or PAOK in the play-off.