Lawrence Shankland's ex-boss reacts to Rangers January transfer option

Steven Naismith has reacted to the possibility Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland could be the solution to Rangers goal-scoring issues in January.

The former Jam Tarts boss highlighted the Gers’ need for a reliable goal scorer, fuelling speculation over the Scotland international’s potential move to Ibrox as his Hearts contract nears its end in the summer.

Although, Shankland has struggled for form this season, scoring just one goal in 14 Scottish Premiership matches and missed a crucial penalty in Hearts’ 2-0 Europa Conference League defeat to Cercle Brugge on 28 November.

Emma Dodds asked after full-time of the Light Blues’ 4-1 win over Nice the same day (10.56pm) on TNT Sports: “I’m thinking about Lawrence Shankland, his contract situation at Hearts, do you think he could be a fit there? Do you think Rangers could go in for a player like him? Do they need him?”

Naismith skirted around the Scotland striker specifically but admitted he is an option to fill a need up front, saying: “Well I think what Rangers need is a goalscorer who you can rely on consistently. I think in my time and your [Derek McInnes sitting next to him] time at the club we had those guys.

“You know each week them moments I’m talking about the goal’ll happen. I think that’s probably an area they can strengthen. Whether that’s Lawrence Shankland or whether that’s somebody else but I think that’s an area they need to look at.”

Philippe Clement should sign Rangers striker despite Hamza Igamane breakout

Football Insider opinion

Rangers’ attacking options have been a mixed bag this season. Cyriel Dessers has delivered nine goals across all competitions but struggles with inconsistency, as evidenced by his glaring miss yesterday in the 4-1 Europa League win in France.

Danilo, meanwhile, has proven unreliable since his arrival at Ibrox last season, making just three league appearances this season due to persistent injuries.

Hamza Igamane, 22, has impressed at times and delivered an excellent Europa League brace against Nice, showing great promise, but his lack of experience means Rangers cannot solely rely on him to deliver consistently in high-stakes games.

Shankland offers a solution. Despite an underwhelming current season, the Hearts striker’s pedigree is undeniable. Over the past two Scottish Premiership campaigns, he netted more than 20 goals each season, including 28 last year in all competitions.

His current struggles appear more situational than indicative of a long-term decline, with Hearts undergoing significant upheaval this term, with Naismith sacked in September as a result.

The 29-year-old is entering his prime and brings over 120 games’ experience in the SPL as a striker. His intelligent movement, positioning, and finishing ability could not only bolster the Light Blues’ attacking threat but also provide an excellent mentor for Igamane, helping the youngster develop into a top forward.

Out of contract this summer, Shankland represents a low-risk, high-reward option for the Glasgow side as they aim to rebuild and challenge Celtic, and could be a mid-season bargain given his form and contract status.

In other news, Rangers are “looking at very clever loan signings” in January.

For more Rangers and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.*

The post Lawrence Shankland's ex-boss reacts to Rangers January transfer option appeared first on Football Insider.