Daniel Lewis

Thu 8 February 2024 15:10, UK

Lawrence Shankland continues to show for Hearts exactly why he should be a priority signing for Rangers in the summer transfer window.

The Gers were repeatedly linked with the Scotland international in January, but Hearts have since confirmed that no bids were tabled.

Exactly why Rangers did not move for Shankland is unknown, but they will have another chance in four months’ time when the window reopens.

At that point, as things stand, the prolific striker will have a year to run on his contract and will surely therefore be available for a cut-price fee.

Shankland was once again at his best in Hearts’ 1-0 win over St Johnstone on Wednesday (7 February), scoring the only goal of the contest.

The 28-year-old controlled a searching pass into his path 18 yards from goal, held off one player, beat another and tucked the ball home.

Lawrence Shankland in hot form for Hearts

As Michael Stewart said on BBC Sportscene [8 February, 44m 37s], Shankland “is a man bang in form” right now.

“This goal – don’t underestimate just how hard it is to initially avoid contact and then keep awareness of where the ball is,” Stewart added.

“He’s in full control of the situation and the touch is excellent. It’s a wonderful finish.

“The run of form he’s been on is absolutely sensational. Some of the goals in this run have been out of this world.”

Shankland now has 11 goals in his past 10 games and 23 in all competitions for club and country.

While Cyriel Dessers has started to find his feet, he still has a long way to go to match the levels shown by Shankland in Edinburgh.

If anyone at the club was doubtful about making a move beforehand, it now seems a no-brainer ahead of the summer.

In other Rangers news, Alison McConnell has shared what could well be seen as the turning point in the Scottish Premiership title battle.

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