Dundee United manager Micky Mellon has confirmed that star man Lawrence Shankland is in contention to face Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday, as quoted by the Evening Express.
The Gers host the Terrors in a 3pm kick-off in the first game after the international break, with Steven Gerrard’s side hoping to extend their remarkable defensive run with a seventh consecutive Premiership clean sheet.
Mellon’s team will be keen to bounce back from a hiding at Rugby Park last time out, though, and have been boosted by the return of their prolific centre-forward.
Shankland has only made one appearance so far this season with an ankle problem ruling him out of their last five fixtures.
However, Mellon confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the Scotland international is available one again.
“Lawrence is fit,” he said, as quoted by the Evening Express. “Nobody has tried to buy him this week before anyone asks that.”
“He’s fit and we are delighted he is back in the group again and he’s had a good few days training too, so Lawrence will be coming to the Rangers game with us.”
Key defender, Mark Connolly, will miss the fixture, though.
“He rolled his ankle early this week in the first training session, so he’s going to be out for a number of weeks but he has made early and good progress,” added Mellon.
Lawrence Shankland to return for Dundee United against Rangers – Verdict
Shankland grew up a Rangers fan and has been linked with a move to the club at various times over the past two seasons [Daily Record].
However, it looks as though the bluenose will be lining up in the opposition starting XI come Saturday.
The 25-year-old is likely to be rusty after over a month on the sidelines but he’s a natural goalscorer who will test the Rangers defenders and threaten the clean sheet record.
He has scored 62 goals since the beginning of the 2018/19 season and will need to be marked attentively.
The absence of Mark Connolly is a blow for the visitors and a boost for the Gers, though.
United have been suspect defensively at times this season but the former Republic of Ireland youth international is a key figure under Mellon and played all six previous Premiership matches, meaning a reshuffle will be required at the back for the visitors.
