Lawrence Shankland scored his thirtieth Hearts purpose of the season to assist his crew to a 2-2 draw away to St Mirren within the Scottish Premiership.
James Scott and James Bolton each scored their first objectives for the hosts both facet of an equaliser from Kyosuke Tagawa.
However Shankland stole the present with a spectacular volley after coming off the bench to interrupt the 30-goal barrier for the membership so as to add to the one he notched for Scotland in opposition to Georgia.
Neither facet had a lot to play for with Hearts having lengthy secured third place, whereas Dundee’s defeat to Rangers on Tuesday ensured St Mirren will end in fifth and with it a return to European soccer for the primary time since 1987.
Buddies boss Stephen Robinson made 4 modifications following their weekend loss to Kilmarnock, with begins for Jaden Brown, Richard Taylor, Keanu Baccus and Scott. Out went Ryan Pressure, Marcus Fraser, Caolan Boyd-Munce and Toyosi Olusanya.
Hearts made 5 modifications from the crew that began in opposition to Dundee. Stephen Kingsley, Beni Baningime, Kenneth Vargas and Barrie McKay all dropped out alongside Shankland.
Of their place got here Toby Sibbick, Frankie Kent, Aidan Denholm, Scott Fraser and Tagawa, whereas Liam Boyce appeared off the bench for his first sport in 5 months.
St Mirren began brightly, with Mikael Mandron capturing over from an early probability. Baccus then teed up Scott who was denied by a sensible save by Craig Gordon.
Minutes later, although, the previous Motherwell ahead had his first purpose for St Mirren. Scott Tanser’s cross was headed again throughout purpose by Mandron for Scott to volley past the goalkeeper within the seventh minute.
Hearts drew degree with their first actual probability after 20 minutes. Cameron Devlin’s cross was excellent for Tagawa and he drilled a low shot past Zach Hemming.
The Japanese ahead might have had his second purpose simply earlier than half-time however mis-hit his shot from an Alex Cochrane cross.
Tagawa additionally had the primary probability of the second half however Taylor did effectively to get throughout to make a wonderful block.
Either side made modifications to attempt to inject some recent power into the competition. Shankland was a type of to seem however dragged an effort from the sting of the field effectively extensive.
As a substitute it was a St Mirren substitute who made the following influence, Boyd-Munce arcing the proper supply to the again submit for Bolton to go past Gordon.
Shankland wouldn’t be outdone as he reached his private purpose landmark with a terrific volley over his shoulder after a nook had been solely partially cleared.
What the managers mentioned…
St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson:
“The boys have been absolutely fantastic for me. The boys on loan will go back. Charles Dunne and Keanu Baccus have been absolutely fantastic for me.
“Dunne has been with me in all places I am going. He is been very loyal and superb for St Mirren.
“These players will move on and they will with our very best wishes because they’ve been great for the club and for me. I’m delighted we’ve had the privilege of working with them.”
Robinson admitted he was relieved to see his crew clinch European qualification the night time earlier than with out kicking a ball after Rangers rallied from two objectives right down to defeat Dundee 5-2.
“I was delighted with it! I turned the TV off at half-time and back on with three minutes to go and was very happy.
“In a really perfect world, you do it your self, but it surely took the strain off. We’re delighted to be in Europe and are trying ahead to the draw.
“It gives us an opportunity to progress, make more money for the club and continue to build here. Expectations are high here now and we have to go and meet those going forward. We’ll embrace that.”
Hearts boss Steven Naismith on Lawrence Shankland:
“It’s incredible. He’s had plaudits and people have talked throughout the season but I don’t think people will really understand it for a few years until it has been and gone and someone else is scoring goals.
“Hearts did so much to get him right here after which put their religion in him that he was going to be good. He has been an excellent professional, chief, and his purpose report over the 2 seasons right here is unbelievable.
“He deserves everything that comes his way. He has had to graft his whole career to get anything out of it. He has had knockbacks and setbacks when he was younger and he is now getting recognition with the awards and the international
scene. But he deserves every bit of it.”
What’s subsequent?
St Mirren’s closing Scottish Premiership match of the season is away to Celtic on Saturday, stay on Sky. Hearts are at dwelling to Rangers.
Each video games kick off at 12.30pm.
Tips on how to guide Fury v Usyk on Sky Sports activities Field Workplace
It is one of many greatest sporting occasions in a era. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk collide for the undisputed world heavyweight championship on Saturday Could 18, stay on Sky Sports activities Field Workplace. Discover out extra right here..
