Rangers-linked striker Lawrence Shankland netted a perfect hat-trick on Saturday afternoon, as Dundee United hammered Partick Thistle 4-1 at Firhill.
The Daily Record reported that both Old Firm clubs sent scouts to watch the Scotland international earlier in the season, and if any Gers representatives took in this performance, they would surely have been impressed.
Lively from the off, Shankland looked the biggest threat for a Terrors side who were on the back foot for most of the opening stages.
The main difference between the teams on the day was that Thistle wasted their opportunities, whereas Shankland made sure United did no such thing.
With 38 minutes on the clock, he gave Robbie Neilson’s side the lead by escaping the attentions of multiple Thistle defenders and rising highest to meet an inswinging corner and guide a glancing header past Scott Fox.
He played a significant part in the second goal, too. On the brink of half-time, he picked the ball up in space and drove at the home defence, before selflessly slipping in Declan Glass, whose shot-cum-cross was tapped in by Adrian Sporle at the back post.
As the Jags pushed on an in an attempt to get back in the game, Shankland ran riot in the second half.
His second goal was a fine solo effort on the hour mark. Cutting in from the left, he travelled across the edge of the box looking for an opening. Just as it looked as though the angle was against him, he proceeded to fire a powerful shot into the bottom right corner.
The 24-year-old was brimming with confidence by this stage and just minutes later, he had his perfect hat-trick. After spraying the ball wide to find Peter Pawlett, he continued his run into the box, before controlling Pawlett’s cross with one touch and dispatching a left-footed finish into the far corner.
That third goal was his 25th in 26 appearances this season, as his stunning form continues.
There’s no doubt he’s too good for the Championship, but would you like to see Rangers step up their interest and make a move in the coming months?
