"Some player", "a proven goalscorer" and with finishing "as good as anything" in Scotland in recent history.

There is little wonder transfer interest is the hot topic of discussion surrounding Lawrence Shankland ahead of the January transfer window.

The Hearts captain has been linked with Rangers in recent weeks with pundits suggesting a transfer deal would be a no-brainer for those of an Ibrox persuasion.

However, any deal would require "exceptional" financial benefit to Hearts with Andrew McKinlay previously stating there is no intention to sell the striker next month.

It was a sentiment echoed by James McFadden who insisted it will be "difficult" for any club to convince Hearts to sell Shankland in the window.

"That's why I think it will be difficult to get him out of Hearts," said McFadden as he echoed the importance of Shankland to Hearts.

"I know that money talks and every player has a price and they are for sale but he is so important to Hearts.

"Hearts have managed to get themselves back into third in the league, if they go and sell Lawrence Shankland they need to have someone who is going to come in and be able to score goals.

"That's the risk you take, so how much is it actually worth to Hearts to keep him to the end of the season, getting that third spot, getting European football next season.

"It would need to take a lot of money I would think to get him out of Hearts."

On Sky Sports, Kris Boyd added: "I tell you what would be a worry, though, if he is to go in January from a Hearts point of view because he is the one that is scoring goals.

"Listen, I can understand he is their number nine and the team is built around creating chances for him but I wouldn't say Hearts are creating loads of chances. A lot of them are out the blue.

"His finishing is as good as anything I have seen in this league for a long, long time."

Former Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield - now at Charlotte FC - suggested Rangers failing to move for Shankland would be "incredibly wrong" but admitted there has been a long-term oversight from Celtic and Rangers in investing in Scottish talent.

He said: "I would love to see him there. I just think there is this sort of thing at Rangers and Celtic where they don't really truly invest in Scottish players. 

"We've played with these players that come in and it just doesn't happen for whatever reason.

"You've got a proven goalscorer there and if Rangers want to fully invest, I think you'd go incredibly wrong not to get Lawrence Shankland.

"He's got another six months of this season, I think he can score so many more goals, and the opportunities Rangers are going to give him he's going to keep continuing to score goals."

Shankland scored a brace against St Mirren on Saturday to claim three points at Tynecastle. And Arfield reckons his second strike could also land him goal of the season.

The Scotland international controlled outside the area before shifting the ball across his body and lashing a fierce strike into the top corner.

Arfield said: "He's some player. This one here [second goal against St Mirren] is incredible, for me it is going to be the goal of the season.

"Just with the touch here and then he shifts it right, faces the goal and bang. 

"When you are in that vein of form you don't think about anything and that is some strike."

And Boyd added: "It's outstanding. The goals don't move, he knows exactly where they are.

"You look at the money that Rangers have spent in that area, why did they not go and get him in the summer, it's baffling!"