Football
Exclusive: Gordon and Shankland Can Inspire Hearts in Europe and Celtic to Continue Scottish Dominance, says Ex-Defender
Ex-defender Juwon Oshaniwa highlights the vital roles of Craig Gordon and Lawrence Shankland in Hearts’ European run and backs Celtic to continue their Scottish league dominance. Football bettors will be eager to see how these teams perform as they work to secure their spots in the league and Europe.
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Captain Lawrence Shankland and Craig Gordon are vital to Heart of Midlothian's aspirations for a successful campaign in this season's UEFA Conference League, says former defender Juwon Oshaniwa.
After finishing third in the Scottish Premiership last season, the Gorgie Boys secured a spot in the Europa League. However, they were subsequently relegated to the third tier of European competition after being defeated by Viktoria Plzen.
Hearts have provided a glimpse of their potential in the Conference League by achieving victories over Dinamo Minsk and Omonia Nicosia.
While praising the performance of his former club in Europe, the former Nigeria international emphasizes that the experience of the duo will be crucial for the Edinburgh-based team if they aim to advance further in the competition.
"The result against Nicosia in the UEFA Conference League result is a fantastic achievement, and I believe it will significantly boost the players' confidence as they move forward," Oshaniwa told SportsBoom.com.
"With the invaluable experience of [Craig] Gordon and the leadership of captain [Lawrence] Shankland, both in the locker room and on the pitch, Hearts are on course to make a strong impact in the competition.”
"Their combined presence brings stability, motivation, and seasoned insight that can guide the team through challenging matches, and also set the stage for a promising and competitive run."
While Gordon has been dominant in the goalkeeping position, Shankland has emerged as a key contributor to Hearts’ attack. Last season, he scored 31 goals across all competitions, making him the club's top scorer.
They will host German side Heidenheim at Tynecastle Park in their next match on November 11, followed by a trip to Belgium to face Cercle Brugge on November 28.
Is Heart on track to break their Scottish League curse?
In addition to aiming for a strong performance in Europe, Hearts are also looking to challenge for the Scottish league title, which they last claimed in the 1959-60 season.
Oshaniwa believes it may be nearly impossible for his former team to overcome their 65-year-old jinx this season; however, the recent changes within the club make the prospect of winning a fifth league title in the near future a reality.
"The fact remains that Hearts FC has long been a powerhouse in Scottish football, a team to be reckoned with," he added.
"That said, I’ll be honest, it won’t be easy for them to clinch the Scottish Premier League title this season.”
Still, with their current form and seeing the way these lads are playing under the new gaffer, I believe we’re on the right track, and I’m confident we’ll get there soon
Juwon Oshaniwa
Hearts on the road to greatness under Critchley
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner also praised Neil Critchley's immediate influence at Hearts following his appointment as head coach on October 15, succeeding Steven Naismith.
"After watching their derby against Hibernians, I can confidently say that the new manager is steering the team toward greatness this season," he continued.
"The team's results since his arrival reflect a strong vision and solid strategy, with each match showcasing improved coordination, resilience, and drive.”
"Judging by their current performance and momentum, it’s clear the manager has ignited a renewed sense of purpose within the squad, setting them firmly on a path to success."
Celtic to continue Scottish league dominance
Reigning Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have clinched the league title a record 54 times, including ten victories in the last eleven seasons.
They currently sit at the top of the table this season, and Oshaniwa sees nothing that could stop their momentum, given the advantages they possess.
He stated: "At present, Celtic are poised to maintain their dominance in the league, because they have every advantage working in their favour.”
"Their financial strength gives them the freedom to acquire top-tier players and build a team of their choosing, ensuring a depth of talent few can match.”
"The club’s strong and efficient structure provides stability and long-term vision, reinforced by an exceptional manager who knows how to get the best from his squad.”
"Apart from these, Celtic enjoy an electrifying atmosphere which fuels ambition, encourages greatness, and solidifies their supremacy season after season."
Shina Oludare is a notable Nigerian sports journalist and writer recognized for his extensive coverage of African sports. He has made significant contributions to the field through his work with reputable media outlets such as Goal.com and Soccernet. Known for his insightful analysis and comprehensive reporting, Oludare covers a wide range of topics within African football, including domestic leagues, national teams, and emerging talents. His work includes detailed player profiles, match previews and reviews, and transfer news, providing valuable insights into the intricacies of the sport on the continent.