Michael Stewart ‘Astonished’ as Rangers players in BBC Scotland debate today
Michael Stewart admitted he would be “astonished” if others didn’t back Lawrence Shankland for the Player of the Year award over Rangers duo James Tavernier and Jack Butland.
Butland and Tavernier are also on the shortlist, but Stewart and BBC Radio Scotland’s SportSound (4 May, 16:40) panel were unanimous in saying that the Hearts striker is the clear favourite.
Butland, in particular, was acknowledged for his strong form at Ibrox this season, however, Shankland’s 21 goals in 33 games for a team outside the Premiership’s big two meant he was the clear choice in the debate.
When asked if everyone on BBC Radio Scotland would agree, Stewart said: “I’d be astonished if it wasn’t a full house.”
Michael Stewart shares verdict on Rangers duo
Rangers have been better than most teams at keeping Shankland quiet this season, restricting the free-scoring Scotland striker to two goals in five appearances in all competitions against the Ibrox side.
His early opener in late October’s match at Ibrox was cancelled out at the death by Rangers, who scored twice beyond the 90th minute through Tavernier and Danilo to break the Jam Tarts’ hearts late on.
His only other strike against the Gers was a consolation penalty in a 3-1 Scottish League Cup semi-final defeat at Hampden Park, and since then Philippe Clement’s side appear to have had Shankland’s number.
Since those two meetings, Rangers have been by far the superior side, dispatching Hearts by 1-0 and 5-0 scorelines in the Premiership and most recently another 2-0 win at Hampden Park to book a place in the Scottish Cup Final.
Shankland’s sensational form this season could very well earn him a deserved Player of the Year award, but with Butland and Tavernier at the back, it is Rangers who are much better placed to potentially bring a Premiership title to Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, Philippe Clement has shared a new transfer update surrounding Oscar Cortes’ future at Ibrox this summer
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