RYAN GAULD admits he was in the form of his life before the coronavirus crisis halted football in Portugal. 

The 24-year-old has emerged as a talisman for Farense this season, notching seven goals and one assist for second tier side in the seven fixtures prior to the enforced shut-down. 

Gauld’s form has been pivotal in firing the Faro-based club to second spot in Liga Pro, just two points behind leaders Nacional and firmly in contention for promotion. 

That could ultimately be a call made by the authorities, with the Portuguese league yet to decide whether the domestic campaign will be able to finish - and, if not, whether current standings will be honoured. 

However, if it comes down to sporting merit, the former Dundee United and Hibernian playmaker firmly believes he’ll be playing in the top-flight next term. 

He said: “This run of goals has never happened in my career before. I scored my first ever hat-trick against Viseu and it has been quite hard to explain. It is about being in the right place at the right time and having a lot of confidence. 

“I’ll always try to score when I get the chance but the collective is more important. We need victories to achieve promotion. 

“Farense might be in the second league, but it belongs in the Primeira League and we are committed to making the city’s dream come true. The people love their club and have an identity and passion which make this a special place to play. 

“I know we have a strong group, in terms of quality and character, and I believe that will bring us a deserved promotion.” 

Gauld has kickstarted his career with Farense in a way he was unable to at Hibs following his arrival in January 2019. 

He joined the capital club on loan from Sporting in search of regular game-time, put himself in the shop window and perhaps catch the eye of those within the Scotland set-up. 

However, Gauld admits his stint in Edinburgh was wrecked by fitness woes and dugout upheaval, with Paul Heckingbottom replacing the man who signed him, Neil Lennon. He made just six appearances. 

Gauld continued: “I thought that coming back to my home country might bring me closer to the national team. 

“I also knew my time was coming to an end at Sporting and, if I played well, then I could catch the eye of some other clubs. But it didn’t go well. I got injured and the club changed coaches.”

Gauld, who spent five years with giants Sporting prior to finally departing last summer, has reportedly been attracting admiring glances from other sides in Portugal and further afield due to his dazzling displays. 

However, speaking to newspaper Record, he declared that he’s in no rush to depart Farense after finally cementing his place as a regular starter. 

Gauld added: “The only thing I think about is helping Farense to progress and getting the opportunity to represent this club in the top league next season. I have a contract until 2021 so the focus is that, and only that.”