Neil Critchley backs struggling Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland

Hearts boss Neil Critchley has delivered an emphatic backing of Lawrence Shankland and insisted he has no plans to remove the captaincy from the misfiring striker.

The 29-year-old Scotland forward scored 59 goals in his first two seasons at Tynecastle but has managed just one goal in 15 appearances this term as the Jambos have struggled at the bottom of the William Hill Premiership.

Some supporters have called for a change of skipper as Shankland – widely expected to leave Hearts when his contract expires in the summer – continues to struggle in front of goal, but head coach Critchley is adamant he has no inclination to take the armband off him.

“No, none at all,” he said on Friday. “That doesn’t ever come into my thinking. Otherwise, you’re judging things on outcome all the time. Lawrence is captain. He’s captain for a reason and he’ll remain captain.”

Critchley has overseen four Hearts matches since being appointed head coach last month and he has been “really impressed” with Shankland’s overall contribution so far.

“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,” said the Englishman.

“But I think his all-round contribution in the last couple of games has been fantastic. I think he’s played like a real captain, a real leader. He’s brought so much more to the team in the way that he’s played and led the line for us and he’s been so, so close to hitting the back of the net.

“If he keeps putting himself in certain situations then with his finishing ability off both feet or his head, he will get goals, I’ve got no doubt.”

Critchley also dismissed suggestions by some Hearts supporters that Shankland’s on-field body language has not been befitting of a captain.

“No, no, no,” he said. “I’m really comfortable with the way he is. Of course, if he misses a chance or he misses a moment, he expects high standards from himself.

“He expects to score goals so it is a normal reaction that if you miss a chance or you don’t quite connect that there would be that initial reaction of disappointment.

“When we conceded the other night, I’m sure if you looked at me, I would be (slumped)… It’s human. We’re all human. We all suffer emotions.

“Lawrence wants to score goals but if you look at his all-round contribution to the team, his physical effort – and the data will back that up – he’s put so much into the last few games and if he keeps working hard, then it will turn for him.”

Critchley, whose side visit St Johnstone on Saturday, has no concerns about Shankland’s morale levels.

“No, honestly, he’s been brilliant,” he said. “I spoke to him this morning. Obviously, we were disappointed about losing the game the other night (against Kilmarnock) but the response this morning from himself and the team has been excellent so I’m looking forward to seeing how we play tomorrow.”