'Had they signed him...' - Billy Dodds tells Rangers transfer 'Gamble' is 'Absolutely' worth it

Former Rangers star Billy Dodds believes the club should “absolutely” take a “gamble” in their bid to sign Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland.

It comes in the wake of great speculation that Rangers boss Philippe Clement was ready to take the plunge and make a move (Daily Record, 22 July) having previously opted against signing the Scotland striker in January.

Speaking with the Daily Record (24 July), the Dodds, now a prominent pundit including with BBC Sportscene, had the following to say on the matter.

The former Rangers striker said: “I honestly thought someone would have taken a plunge on him in January. The problem Rangers had last season was the percentage of chances taken.

“Had they signed him it might have given them the edge in the run in. So I would certainly endorse it. Is it a gamble? Every transfer is a gamble. But is it worth the gamble? Absolutely.”

Can Lawrence Shankland help Rangers?

With a magnificent 24 goals and three assists in the Scottish Premiership last season (BBC), it should come as no surprise that the league runners-up are interested in bringing him to Ibrox. He’s quick, he’s got great instincts, and the 28-year-old is ready to prove himself at an even higher level.

Shankland’s grit and determination even led to him featuring in Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad this summer. While he didn’t have the impact he desired, the fact that he was six goals clear of his nearest challenger in the league’s Golden Boot race tells you everything you need to know about his credentials.

Rangers hardly struggled to find the net during the 2023/24 campaign with 87 goals in 38 games, but they were always going to face a tussle to keep their big names during the transfer window. If they really commit to making Shankland the focal point of their attack this year, it could be the difference between winning the league and falling short once again.

As Dodds says, transfers are a gamble but this is a punt the club absolutely should be making.

In other Rangers news, the Gers may reignite their interest in Abdallah Sima after a new update emerged around James Tavernier’s future.

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