Lawrence Shankland admits it's a proud moment to be recognised by his fellow peers amid his nomination for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year.

The striker, 28, has been put forward for the award alongside Rangers duo James Tavernier and Jack Butland, as well as Celtic's Matt O'Riley.

The Hearts captain is the league's top goalscorer, and he was also included in the PFA Team of the Year.

He told Sky Sports: "It's a nice bit of reignition that you've done well this year and it's being recognised by other teams in the league.

"I think I've had a good season. My all-round play has been good throughout. Hopefully, people are seeing that side of me as well now. That's probably part of the recognition I've got here, with people considering your whole game.

"Your sole focus is on the football and that's the most important thing. Being the captain, it's my responsibility to ensure I'm professional in my approach as well. 

"There's been no distractions for me, but it obviously helps me mature. When I look back on my career I'll probably realise how much it's helped me."

Hearts are inching closer to securing third place officially in the Premiership, even though their gap over Kilmarnock in fourth has stood at 11 points for several weeks now.

This will signal guaranteed European football for Steven Naismith's side next term, whether it be in the Europa League or Europa Conference League.

"First and foremost we had to make sure we got third," he continued. "We're pretty close to doing that now, so that'll be good. We wanted to make sure we got group-stage football, and that's a possibility for us. 

"It's not a given. Everybody expects Hearts to be third in the league but we missed out last year. We cost it ourselves. I think that was a warning to ourselves. 

"This year we've been good, and we look to make sure of it in the next couple of weeks."

Hearts have beaten Celtic twice this term, and face another game against the champions at Celtic Park this weekend. 

The question that always surrounds the third-placed team in Scotland is if they can close the gap on the Old Firm.

"Hopefully, yeah," Shankland responded. "It's obviously a difficult task, they're two really difficult teams with good players. It's a challenge for us.

"We've had two really good results against Celtic. Rangers have caused us more problems. They've been two different challenges, but hopefully next season we can improve again.

"It's just part of the split going into the fixtures that it can be a possibility. Rangers and Celtic are really tight at the top, going for the title. 

READ MORE: Celtic, Rangers & Hearts players nominated for PFA Player of the Year

"It should hopefully make for good games. If we can put a spanner in the works then we'll see what happens.

"The last time we went there (Celtic Park) we got a two-goal lead and we defended really well and that's what won us the game. Celtic have got a lot more on it this time to try to win a league. 

"It'll be a difficult game for us, but we've got evidence there that we can go there and win the game."

On this summer's Euros, the frontman added: "Obviously you know there's a major tournament on the horizon, so it's something to look forward to and focus on. 

"Hopefully I can keep my form up and be involved in the squad. That's what I'll look to do."