Will Hearts get old Shankland back this season?

Conversations with McInnes have convinced Shankland that his strengths will be played to and he will be provided chances to re-discover his scoring touch.

When asked on Wednesday if he’d expect to be pushing towards the 25-30 goal mark next term, the 29-year-old was unequivocal.

“I would be, aye,” his immediate response. “The two seasons before last, I proved that in that sort of team, I can be successful and I can score a lot of goals.

“I do believe that coming here this season has been the right thing for me and I can believe I can re-find that form.”

With his future sorted, what ambitions does the former Dundee United, Aberdeen and Ayr United striker hold for the next three seasons?

Former Hearts head coach Steven Naismith told BBC Scotland that Shankland has elevated himself to legendary status at the club having committed his future.

Two objectives to cement that seem to be the striker’s focus.

“Scoring 100 goals [for the club] is something that I think is achievable for me,” Shankland said. “More importantly, we need to try and get our hands on a trophy.

“When I first came to Hearts three years ago, that was something that I had ambitions to do.

“It’s not easy but if we can go and win a trophy and put your name in amongst those names, it always helps.”