Hearts sporting director Graeme Jones has defended the club's decision to let Lawrence Shankland leave for Rangers just days after their Scottish Premiership runners-up finish. The Edinburgh side faced a straightforward calculation last year: keep Shankland on a deal that would see him depart after one season, or lose him immediately.

Jones explained the risk-reward scenario that led to Shankland's contract arrangement. Despite fan disappointment at losing their captain and top striker, the gamble delivered exactly what Hearts needed. Shankman netted 20-plus goals while providing leadership of the highest caliber both on and off the pitch throughout his solitary season at Tynecastle.

The sporting director remains adamant that no one can argue against the decision's correctness given the circumstances. While supporters naturally feel the loss of their talismanic forward, Jones insists the arrangement represented the only viable path forward for the club's progression.

Meanwhile, Cam Devlin's future remains undecided as the 27-year-old midfielder links up with the Australia squad following his Hearts contract expiry. Jones confirmed positive discussions continue with Devlin's representatives, hoping for resolution within the next week regarding the World Cup-bound player's next destination.