Shankland: Goal was great but win was better

Lawrence Shankland was thrilled to score on his Morton debut – but insisted that helping his side claim three valuable points was more satisfying.

The 21-year-old headed home a Mark Russell cross in the 67th minute of Saturday’s 2-0 win over Raith Rovers to get his Cappielow career off to a flying start.

Although Scotland Under-21 cap Shankland acknowledged the importance of finding the net after linking up with a new club, he placed more value on the victory.

Speaking exclusively to gmfc.net, he said: “I’m obviously delighted to score. It can be a good starting point and everybody wants to score on their debut.

“Luckily enough, it was a great ball in from Mark and I was just in the right place to nod it home. So I’m delighted, but most important was getting the three points for the boys.

“It was a good performance. We played really well at times and dug in when we needed to, so that was impressive. I felt we had enough to see the game out when it was 1-0, but getting the second one obviously helped.

“Personally, I was thrown straight into the starting XI and that was something I was looking forward to, just getting back out on the pitch from the start.

“At times it maybe showed that I’d not played for a wee while, just a couple of wee touches here and there. But that will come with games, that sharpness, and getting used to playing with these boys.

“It will take time – I’d only been in for three days – and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. As an individual I take it one game at a time and never get carried away, because you’re never too far away from a fall.”

Image: David Bell