Lawrence Shankland returned with 90 minutes in Hearts’ 2-2 draw with Livingston and had a major part to play in both goals.

Shankland equalised for Hearts midway through the first half, as well as assisting striker partner Claudio Braga to give Hearts their second goal in West Lothian.

The striker was missing for eight matches with a hamstring injury and was given a cameo introduction during Hearts’ victory over Dundee before the international break.

And the Hearts talisman delivered on his first full 90 minutes back from injury, showing his quality to keep Hearts at the top of the table.

After the match, McInnes said: “I thought he [Shankland] was terrific throughout, I thought he linked the play brilliantly, but he looked a threat, his headers top class, and he was in the middle of the goal so often. I think you see exactly what he is today.”

McInnes also talked about how big a miss Shankland and others have been in recent fixtures, especially away from home.

He said: “I think we’ve missed certain players within it, to be honest. I don’t think we’ve had the same attacking threat of late without Shankland and others.”

With six matches remaining, the Hearts support will be looking for their captain and other key players to show their fine form that has been produced throughout the season. In hope to take the Scottish Premiership title away from Glasgow for the first time since 1985.