Lawrence Shankland has been tipped for a Scotland starting berth at Euro 2024 as Rangers-linked hitman nets another goal for Hearts.
The Scotland international striker, 28, has been on red-hot form for the Jambos this season and netted his 25th goal for Hearts in the 2-0 win over Motherwell.
Having also scored for Scotland this season – in the 2-2 draw with Georgia at the end of Euro 2024 qualifying – there’s no doubt the hitman is heading for Germany in the summer.
But Clyde Superscoreboard pair Hugh Keevins and Mark Wilson have suggested Lawrence Shankland will be more than just a squad player for Steve Clarke’s side.
Lawrence Shankland tipped for Scotland Euro 2024 start
Speaking during Saturday’s Scottish Premiership fixtures on Clyde One, Hugh Keevins and Mark Wilson both tipped Lawrence Shankland for a Scotland starting berth.
Given the striker is yet to sign a new contract at Tynecastle, and that Rangers may well be on the hunt for a new striker this summer, it’s a prospect which will certainly turn a few heads at Ibrox.
“I know everyone is preoccupied already with thoughts of the Euros, Germany, the opening ceremony,” said Hugh Keevins. “Shankland is first on the list here.
“For the striker’s role, there is no-one you would have before him now.”
Mark Wilson then responded: “I think that’s an interesting point. The argument was six or eight weeks ago, was he going to go?
“He was doing everything right to get on the plane but I think everybody accepted that he wouldn’t be a starter.
“However the goals he’s scoring, the variety of goals he’s scoring against everybody who comes up against him, he has put himself in the frame.
“I wonder, does he go right in? Just a natural goalscorer with the best finishing touch.”
Rangers could face Hearts transfer competition
Whilst Rangers were priced out of a January move for Lawrence Shankland, we don’t suspect it’ll be the last time the Gers are linked to the Hearts talisman.
Hearts were clear that the financial implications of letting Shankland go and failing to qualify for guaranteed European football through a 3rd place finish could be disastrous.
With the striker continuing his rich vein of form into the second half of the season, it’s a decision which looks increasingly justified.
But with the deadline on Hearts’ final Lawrence Shankland contract offer passing, the lethal hitman is about to enter the final year of his contract in the summer.
It means Hearts might be forced to deal at a lower price, whilst Rangers need homegrown options in their squad and crocked striker Kemar Roofe is unlikely to be offered a new contract.
But a Lawrence Shankland Scotland starting berth might change things considerably for Rangers, particularly if the hitman has a fine tournament.
There have been links to the Premier League previously and we suspect plenty will at least consider the opportunity to sign a 25-goal Euro 2024 starter.
