THE SORE SHANKS REDEMPTION

Battle-hardened Lawrence ready to avenge mauling in Munich

- SCOTT McDERMOTT

IF he were the type to mope around every time he suffered a setback, Lawrence Shankland wouldn’t be in Germany right now.

In fact, if the Scotland striker was not adept at picking himself up off the floor after taking a blow, he may have quit the game for good.

So as much as Friday night’s Munich mauling was sore, Shankland wasn’t down for too long.

Remember, this is a guy who didn’t have a club seven years ago after leaving Aberdeen and – with his career going nowhere – wondered if he would have to look for a job elsewhere.

Don’t talk to Shankland about dark moments, then.

Scotland’s 5-1 defeat to the Germans was agony, of course.

But in tournament football, there is no time to dwell on it. And after the initial feeling of devastation, Shankland says it’s a happy camp again.

Heading into tonight’s Group A clash with Switzerland – with Steve Clarke’s side needing to avoid defeat – the Hearts hitman is adamant they are ready to make amends.

The 28-year-old says the collective support network inside the camp has been vital in the aftermath of the Allianz annihilation.

And he believes the knocks all of the squad have taken at some point in their careers have helped them recover in time for Cologne.

Shankland, who could start up front, said: “It’s been a big turnaround for me and hopefully my story will inspire a few people along the way.