Exclusive: Gordon and Shankland Can Inspire Hearts in Europe and Celtic to Continue Scottish Dominance, says Ex-Defender

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.”

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."