Ayr United striker Lawrence Shankland has spoken for the first time about a possible move to Sunderland.
When speaking to Clyde 1’s SuperScoreboard radio programme, as reported by the Chronicle Live, the 23-year-old was asked about the alleged interest from the League One high-flyers.
Shankland had been touted for a move south of the border earlier last year but has so far remained at Somerset Park.
He’s had a phenomenal start to the season in the Scottish Championship, scoring 28 times in 26 matches for his side who are currently second in the table.
But having had a sensational run of form as of late, and subsequent interest, Shankland took to the airways to discuss links connecting him with a move to join Scotsman Jack Ross at the Stadium of Light.
When speaking to Clyde 1’s SuperScoreboard radio programme via the Chronicle Live, the 23-year-old spoke honestly.
"I’m just putting it to the back of my mind," he said.
"My main priority just now is getting fit and getting back playing.
“It’s nice to have the speculation, people talking about you here and there but it’s nothing that I get too caught up with.
“I just keep doing what I’m doing, working hard, and the football will do to the talking for me.
“Obviously I know where I want to go in my career and the next step I want to take and go and improve myself and push on again.
“It’s something I’ll look at eventually when the time is right, and I’ll deal with it then.”
Shankland added his willingness to see out his deal which expires in the summer.
A pre-contract agreement with clubs in England can be agreed upon, but the 23-year-old intends to honour his deal, much to his current club’s delight, as they chance a place in the Scottish Premiership.
“I signed at the start of the season with the full intention of being there for the full year and seeing it out," he added.
"The gaffer has obviously made vocal to the public that he wants to keep everybody and I’m fine with that.
“The main thing is I’m happy and enjoying my football, and I’m still scoring goals. The team’s doing well, and we’re still at the top end of the league.
“As I said, if the move comes and the time’s right, then it will happen then.”
The Verdict
For such a young man with an intense interest in his services, it speaks volumes about his character that he isn’t trying to engineer a move away, and that he wishes to fulfil his obligation with the club.
Having scored the number of goals he has this season, there is no shortage of interest, but that is all secondary to the attacker who is focused on getting Ayr promoted.
Based on that alone, whoever ends up getting the forward will not only have a great footballer on their hands, but also a personality that will be nothing but positive to whatever group of players he joins.
Thoughts? Let us know!