Lawrence Shankland stressed that Hearts are desperate to return to Hampden following their disappointing 3-1 defeat to Rangers in the Viaplay Cup semi-final on November 5.
That’s why the club’s Scottish Gas, Scottish Cup, quarter-final tie with Greenock Morton scheduled for Monday, March 11 (19.45) is so important.
The prolific marksman, who scored in that defeat, netting a penalty after 81 minutes, told Hearts official programme that Morton are the only lower league team remaining in the competition.
The Glasgow-born forward admitted: “We would have liked to have had them at home (Tynecastle).
“Morton will be happy with the draw. They’ll have all the confidence after beating Motherwell in the previous round.”
He stressed: “It will be a tough tie but, hopefully, we can go down there, put on a good performance like we did against Airdrie and get through to the next round.”
Shankland, who has taken is tally to 25 goals for the season so far following his opener against Motherwell on Saturday in the 2-0 win, said that playing a cup tie at Hampden is special and added: “That’s what was so disappointing for us when we were last there.
“We never really put a stamp on the game and it was a comfortable win for Rangers.
“So, if we get that opportunity to go back, we’ll definitely be looking to perform better than we did that day.”
For those who can’t make the trip to Cappielow, the match will be shown live on BBC Scotland.
PICTURE: Shankland celebrates his goal against Motherwell on Saturday. Picture David Mollison
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