Rangers: Electricity expected in Hearts clash amid ‘Amazing’ Lawrence Shankland verdict
Rangers will have too much for Hearts at a “rocking” and “electric” Ibrox despite the “amazing” season Lawrence Shankland is having, according to Derek Ferguson.
Philippe Clement’s side went top of the Scottish Premiership by beating St Johnstone 3-0 last Sunday (18 February) after Celtic drew with Kilmarnock a day earlier.
This Saturday (24 January) sees Hearts visit Ibrox where Shankland – previously linked with a move to Rangers in January (Daily Record) – will look to add the league-leading 18 goals he has this season.
Former Rangers man Ferguson – speaking to Ibrox News – acknowledged the talent Shankland possesses but thinks a buoyant home crowd with spur the team onto victory.
“That ground will be rocking on Saturday, I just think the players will be so at it, so focused, so I think whatever team he puts out Hearts are going to have to play out of their skins to get a result I really think that,” he said.
“I know Shankland’s been amazing this season, he gets his goal a game, but if we can take care of Shankland, and the players with that atmosphere I think it’s going to be electric, I think we’re going to get a really positive performance for Rangers.
“It would be quite incredible, of course Celtic have a difficult game on Sunday against Motherwell, Fir Park is always a difficult place to go, but I just can imagine Ibrox on Saturday afternoon the way the fans are after last weekend, so pumped up, that adrenaline getting to the players, oh they’ll be at it 100 per cent.”
Can Rangers cope with Hearts ace Lawrence Shankland?
There is an absolute buzz around Ibrox right now and the mood was only heightened by going top of the table.
This weekend promises to be a difficult encounter against a game Hearts side and one that includes the Premiership’s top scorer in Shankland.
You have to feel that Rangers will be too strong at home, though. As Ferguson alluded to, Ibrox will be packed and will be extremely loud.
Shankland poses a huge threat, of course, but Rangers are in fine fettle and will have the mettle to deal with the Scotland striker.
In other Rangers news, Martin Keown and Jim White shared their verdict on the Gers’ Europa League draw.
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