How Lawrence Shankland is still having Rangers impact as injury timeline revealed

Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland isn't sitting around feeling sorry for himself after his injury.

The 31-year-old came in on a free transfer from Hearts as he linked up with Derek McInnes once again.

He was immediately named as skipper with the hope of him firing his boyhood club to a Premiership title.

Things didn't start particularly well for the Scotland international, but certainly got better.

He netted winning goals away to both Aberdeen and Falkirk before being stuck with a hamstring injury against Motherwell.

Shankland hasn't allowed his absence from the pitch to halt his influence as he looks ahead to his return.

When could Lawrence Shankland make Rangers return?

There was no hiding from what the striker had done at Ibrox on 5 September.

It was clear that his hamstring had gone and there was hope that it wouldn't be a long-term issue.

The Light Blues haven't been that lucky and have been without the captain ever since.

Questions are now starting to swirl around Govan given that Shankland has already been out for a month.

Daily Record journalist Michael Gannon has suggested that the forward won't be available until 2027, but is still having a telling impact in G51.

Speaking via Daily Record Hotline Live on Wednesday, he said: "You're looking after the new year, at the earliest.

"He's been in and around the squad a lot, trying to still be hands on as a captain which has been good for him, and others."

That is a silver lining to take for the Ibrox faithful, but what does it mean for his place in the side?

What will happen to Shankland after injury comeback?

It was a blow to lose the skipper, but it has coincided with a superb run of from under McInnes.

He has watched on and seen his side secure back-to-back wins over Celtic at both Ibrox and Parkhead.

Kevin Kelsy and Ryan Naderi started both and represented a proper threat as a front two.

There will be hope they can continue their form and remain a thorn in Martin O'Neill's side.

Should that be the case, Shankland may be concerned, but Gannon doesn't believe he should worry.

"He'll be a big asset when he's back fit and McInnes will be counting the days."

That will certainly make for an interesting decision when he returns, but strength in depth isn't necessarily a problem.

It could prove to be the boost that the Light Blues need to fire them to Premiership glory.