Rangers: BBC pundit issues Lawrence Shankland ‘big chance’ verdict in Hearts assessment
Hearts have a “big chance” of beating Rangers and reaching the Scottish Cup final while they have the threat of Lawrence Shankland in their line up, says Neil McCann.
The BBC Sportscene pundit said, via Football Scotland (15 April), that the Jambos will have to be “aggressive” in their outlook at Hampden for the semi final on 21 April, as in doing so they will both put Philippe Clement’s men under pressure and fans will be able to handle a defeat if it doesn’t work out.
Rangers have beaten Hearts four times in all competitions so far this term, including 3-1 in the League Cup semi final on 5 November, but are suddenly going through some poor form ahead of the fifth meeting.
McCann said of the Jam Tarts: “They need to go to Glasgow and Hampden and give themselves that opportunity by having a go. Third is secure and when you possess a threat up top like Lawrence Shankland, they have already beaten Celtic at Tynecastle.
“When they have a go and are aggressive in their nature and play… I think if they lost the game Hearts fans would go away and can handle that, but to not have a go and lose the game, it creates a lot of what ifs.
“I fully expect Steven Naismith to go to Hampden and properly put Rangers under pressure and when they do that, yes, they have a big chance of getting to another final.”
Lawrence Shankland could end Rangers cup bid amid transfer links
In the wake of the Light Blues’ disastrous 3-2 defeat at Ross County on Sunday (14 April), which delivered a major blow to their title aspirations, there seems to be all the more chance that Hearts could derail the pursuit of another trophy.
Clement needs to get his side back on track as a matter of urgency, with the major turnaround he instigated at Ibrox upon replacing Michael Beale threatening to run out of steam at a key moment.
The warning signs were there in the first half of the Old Firm derby against Celtic a week ago, but the fightback to secure a dramatic 3-3 should have provided enough momentum to see this side react to the scare they gave themselves.
Instead, admittedly after the controversy that saw their trip to Dundee again postponed, they let Ross County record a first ever Scottish Premiership victory over Rangers to now likely have to win at Parkhead if they are to retain a chance to secure a first league title in three seasons.
After lifting the Viaplay Cup in December the form up until a few weeks ago had Clement on course for a stunning treble, but if he can’t arrest the recent slide it could be the only silverware he ends up with this season.
Cyriel Dessers has been increasingly praised for his work rate and being in the right place to have opportunities, while his 17 goals amid injuries elsewhere have been important.
But the fact that he is more of a solid second or third choice than a regular number one striker was on display in Dingwall, and will only strengthen calls to add a certain starter in the summer.
That has long-been tipped to be Shankland, with the 28-year-old netting 28 times in all competitions this term amid hints from the man himself that he would be interested.
Although nothing materialised in January it has since been claimed that a move is now widely expected following the season, but the Scotland international could be in line to strike a major blow at Ibrox before the chance to move their arises.
In other Rangers news, a signing which the club were thought to have wrapped up may be under threat.
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