Lawrence Shankland has scored so many goals he's forgotten what it means to go on a barren run.

His last two games before Partick Thistle, though, seemed to remind him.

A supposed 'goal drought' against Dundee and Queen of the South motivated the striker to blast a perfect hat-trick against Partick Thistle this afternoon as Dundee United smashed the Jags 4-1 at Firhill.

And he joked that he was "due one" - despite hitting 22 in 25 before today.

"I knew I was due a couple of goals," Shankland said. 

"I don't think I've went three games without scoring for a while and I was hoping for a goal so I made up for lost time.

"It's always good getting a hat-trick but when it's a perfect hat-trick it makes it that wee bit better. The first goal was great delivery from Clarky and the second was a bit of an individual effort.

"I think that's the best I've played since I've come back from injury. Outwith the three goals I thought I was decent in my all-round game. I've been disappointed with the last few performances so it was good to get back and when the goals are going in the way they did, you've got to be happy."

Dundee United could be delighted with their performance and result in Glasgow but were instead left with a bitter taste in their mouth as Nicky Clark hobbled off in injury time.

And Shankland, 24, hailed his teammate for his contributions to the team. He also made sure to wish the former Rangers man a speedy recovery.

He added: "It's not looking great in the changing room, he's in a wee bit of pain. Hopefully it's not bad and we'll see him back. He's been a big player for us all round and it's upsetting as a player, you know the position he's in. He's in pain, but fingers crossed the results go his way and he's not out too long."