Rangers will be linked with Lawrence Shankland throughout the January transfer window and his recent goal scoring exploits will do little to dampen the rumours.
As a known Bluenose, the Hearts striker would jump at the chance and would probably walk to Ibrox from Tynecastle if you asked him to.
As Rangers manager, Philippe Clement will want to strengthen his squad beyond the signing of Fabio Silva with Lawrence Shankland being given the seal of approval by Livingston’s David Martindale.
Rangers could sign upgrade on Morelos in Lawrence Shankland
Silva looked sharp in his 20 minute cameo with clever movement, some neat touches and an impressive work rate but we need to look beyond this season.
Shankland might be 28-years old but could still score goals in Scotland way into his 30s, as former Gers record breaker Kris Boyd did.
Lawrence Shankland, after his last couple of attempts, wouldn’t be on penalty duties for Rangers but the two goals he scored against Hearts and Livingston prove that he has the finishing ability to lead our forward line.
Martindale was clearly impressed with what he saw and even ranks him higher than another former Ibrox fans’ favourite:
“I look at him and compare him. He’s completely different from Kyogo, but he’s slightly like Morelos.
“Lawrence has more in his overall game though and a better mentality. When Morelos was at his prime, it’s a tough one but I’m probably taking Lawrence.
“He doesn’t have any temperament problems. I’d love to see him, as a football fan, go and progress.
“Hearts is a huge club, miles ahead of Livi, but I think there’s a bit more to come from Lawrence Shankland.”
Domestically, few could argue with the Livi boss, however, Shankland doesn’t have the sheer aggression that Morelos used to good effect to bully whole defences in the Europa League.
Defences like Porto, Borussia Dortmund and Benfica when he broke both UEFA and club records.
He was also the subject of a rejected £16.25m bid from Lille.
What Martindale is suggesting though, is that Shankland is a safe bet in terms of goal and availability.
He also values him at a similar price as the Hearts hierarchy, which isn’t much help from the self confessed Rangers fan.
Cyriel Dessers has yet to find the consistency needed to gain the trust of the fans even if he showed with his assist for Ross McCausland what he is capable of.
If Rangers do sign Lawrence Shankland, Martindale is right, they would be getting a quality striker.
As good as Morelos?
There’s only one way we will ever find out.
