Aberdeen striker Lawrence Shankland returned to Pittodrie a few weeks ago following the end of his loan season at Championship side St Mirren. Lawrence spoke to RedTV upon his return about a season of two halves and his thoughts ahead of 2016/17.

“Overall, the season has been decent but it has been a learning curve as well. The first half was not easy, very tough at times. We did not pick up many results at all. People started talking about us being in a relegation battle. Under manager Ian Murray, we did not get a home win at all, we did not pick up our first win at home until January but since the new gaffer Alex Rae came in, we have picked up and he has got things sorted. We became a lot harder to beat and became a better defensive unit. We then won eight games at home, so things improved dramatically and the football became a lot more enjoyable.

“It is a tough league. It is a battle every week, it’s not exactly sexy football! But I have really enjoyed it and learned a lot as well. The fact things did not go all my own way has meant I have learnt a lot more. I feel I am a better player for the experience and have come on a lot personally. There were times when I really had to battle. There were times when I was out of the side and had to force my way back in.

“It was hard but we were not even getting chances so I could not feel too down about not getting on the scoresheet. Then, when things improved a bit I was scoring a few and missing a few but you need to remain positive and at least I was getting into the position to score. Then the goals did finally come. I feel my performances have been good, certainly from Christmas onwards.

“On most occasions, we have played 4-4- 2 this season but when David Clarkson got injured, I played on my own up front. It is harder because you are leading the line and you need to link up the play and the ball has to stick. Even then, I did ok and still managed to score goals. I had to fight up front on my own against some good teams like Hibs, Falkirk, Rangers. I probably had my best games against the so called better teams.

“Most of my goals were from outside the box, I have not had many tap-ins! I scored a couple of good goals against Livingston that I will remember for a long time and had another good one against Morton. One of my strikes against Livingston won me the St Mirren Goal of the Season prize which was nice.

“Unfortunately I didn’t manage to score against Falkirk and against Danny Rogers! It would have been nice to have been able to give Danny some stick when we are together at Pittodrie next season! We drew 0-0 and lost 3-2 in our games against them. I also played against Declan McManus at Morton. I thought he played well and was involved in all their play. It was good to catch up with him afterwards.

“And of course I was playing with Jamie Langfield every week. Langers is still dropping everything, miskicking everything and along the way making some saves as well! Seriously though, he has done very well for us this season. He has won us a number of crucial games with some brilliant saves when we were under pressure.

“St Mirren is a really good club and I would like to thank everyone there, the players, the coaches, the staff and the fans for the way I was treated during my time there.

“Obviously I have been keeping an eye of what has been happening at Pittodrie and watching any of the games on TV I could, but when you are playing for another team you need to concentrate on yourself as well.

“I really enjoyed playing for the U20s last season. Winning the Development league title was very special and there were some great moments during the season but I needed to play first team football. I needed to challenge myself again to improve my development. I think it was the right decision.

“Playing games every week has also helped my fitness as well as improving my game. Away from the pitch, I went and got a personal trainer. His name is Jack Wilson. He has been working with me in the gym two or three times a week on top of the day to day training, and I think that has helped my game.

“I am really looking forward to next season and being part of the team again. To make European football for the third season running is a good achievement and I can’t wait until the European campaign starts. There is a good squad of boys in that dressing room and, next season, I am looking forward to being a bit part of it”.