Lawrence Shankland transfer reveal mental as Rangers title claim emerges
Charlie Mulgrew can’t believe that neither Rangers nor Celtic signed Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland last summer.
The former Hoop feels that had either of the Old Firm clubs signed the Scottish striker, they would be top of the William Hill Premiership right now.
Kevin Thomson is also surprised that the centre-forward didn’t seem to have a lot of options at the end of the last season after his contract at Tynecastle Park expired.
The 30-year-old is now one of the leading goalscorers in the league this season, with the Jam Tarts two points clear in first place.
Andrew Cavenagh will have Kevin Thelwell regret after Rangers developments
Kevin Thelwell was appointed the Gers’ sporting director as Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises completed their takeover.
The former Everton chief opted to do most of his business at Ibrox from down south, with nine players arriving at the Light Blues from England last summer.
After Russell Martin’s failures at the Glaswegian outfit, Thelwell and Patrick Stewart followed the ex-Southampton boss out the door.
Speaking on The Breakdown, Thomson said, “My biggest surprise was that, he might able to tell us and I hope I’m wrong, it didn’t look like he had a lot of options in the end. I think a lot of people missed the trick on him.”
Mulgrew responded, “It’s mental. How did Rangers and Celtic never take him? Can you imagine Rangers or Celtic had signed him, they would be clear at the top.”
Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski have largely been underwhelming for the Govan side this season, and Andrew Cavenagh may regret not making a move for Shankland as a free agent, something Thelwell may have had a hand in.
Youssef Chermiti risks Ibrox rage after hat-trick vs Hearts
Rangers supporters were delighted to see Chermiti get a hat-trick against Hearts in the 4-2 win at Ibrox on 15 February.
The Portugal Under-21 international’s inclusion in the starting lineup certainly raised a few eyebrows, but he secured three points for the Gers and helped them close the gap with the Jam Tarts.
What the 21-year-old must do now is find consistency with his performances at the Light Blues and boost Rohl’s title charge in Govan.
Chermiti undoubtedly risks losing any goodwill he has built up if he goes back to putting in poor displays in the upcoming matches, with the league up for grabs.
For more stories about the Gers, visit Football Insider and have a look at their in-depth coverage.