Despite Steven Gerrard today asserting that there won’t be wholesale changes to his squad, it’s no secret that Rangers are looking for a new forward in January.
While Dominic Solanke and Tom Eaves are names that have been doing the rounds, a better option is much closer to home.
Lawrence Shankland has been in absolutely prolific form for Ayr United for two seasons now. Surely he should be the Gers’ top priority next month.
The striker’s stats this campaign are frighteningly good. With 16 goals in 15 Championship appearances and 26 in all competitions, Shankland is making a mockery of the Scottish second tier.
His strike rate of a goal every 83 minutes in the league is nothing short of phenomenal. Yes, it’s not an amazing standard of football, and some will argue that he isn’t proven in the SPL.
However, true goal scorers can operate at any level.
Dominic Solanke, for example, is no doubt a talented footballer. But with just one Premier League goal in 21 appearances for Liverpool, it’s clear he is isn’t a natural finisher.
Prolific strikers are a rare commodity
Such players are hard to come by and Rangers should be doing everything they can to bring Shankland to Ibrox. Out of contract in the summer, Ayr risk losing him on a free if they don’t cash in next month.
The 23-year-old is a life-long Blue nose, born and bred in Glasgow. I’m sure personal terms won’t be an issue, if Rangers table the right offer to The Honest Men.
There will be a queue of parties interested in his services, but Steven Gerrard would do well to ensure he’s at the front of it.
