Michael Stewart blasts Cyriel Dessers, backs Rangers to sign Lawrence Shankland
Michael Stewart has claimed he has “no doubt” that Lawrence Shankland is better than Cyriel Dessers and tipped Rangers to make a move for the striker.
The Ibrox club have been heavily linked with a move for the Hearts striker, but a transfer hasn’t materialised with the 28-year-old in talks over a new deal at his current club.
But speaking live on Viaplay Sports (20 January) ahead of Rangers’ cup win over Dumbarton, Stewart claimed he would be stunned if the Ibrox club weren’t looking to bring in Shankland this month.
“I think we’ve seen enough so far to suggest that the reinforcements need to be had there and there’s obviously a lot of speculation about a certain number nine (Shankland) along the M8 at Hearts,” he said.
“For me there’s no doubt certainly that Lawrence Shankland is a better striker than Cyriel Dessers.
“I think he could [make the step up] but from Hearts’ perspective, they won’t want to lose him.
“He’s going to cost a fair bit of money but Rangers, I would be very surprised if they weren’t looking at someone like Lawrence Shankland.”
Harsh
Shankland is very much the flavour of the month right now in Scotland and even in Glasgow among the fans and media, but there’s no guarantee that he is the answer to the goal issues.
Dessers has struggled this season but nobody can question his commitment to the badge and he always gives 100% effort, even if he is lacking quality in front of goal.
However the club are not in a finacial position where they can just splash the cash freely, and after spending around £15m on Dessers, Sam Lammers and Danilo in the summer it’s not going to be easy to go again.
Shankland is 28 and has never been prolific really, while a large portion of his goals in the past have come from the penalty spot – which he wouldn’t get here while James Tavernier is around.
Is Shankland an upgrade on Dessers? Yes. Does that mean he is definitely the answer and we should go big on him? Definitely not.
In other Rangers news, Tam McManus backs Ibrox club to “test the water” for new striker this month.
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