Why Derek McInnes has slight Rangers relief as Lawrence Shankland faces long-term blow
Derek McInnes could be without Lawrence Shankland for a significant spell at Rangers.
The Scotland international lasted just eight minutes against Motherwell on Saturday and the ex-Hearts boss has shared concerns about his fitness.
It looks like the 55-year-old head coach will be without another one of his centre-forwards for the foreseeable future.
McInnes now has Kevin Kelsy, Ryan Naderi and Bojan Miovski to rely on after Shankland and Youssef Chermiti's injuries at Ibrox.
While at one point it looked like the Glaswegian outfit had too many number nines at their disposal, that's no longer the case.
The Govan side completed a deal worth over £9million for Kelsy on deadline day and the former Portland Timbers prospect will have to be immediately thrown into the deep end.
What has been said about Lawrence Shankland injury at Rangers?
McInnes is worried about Shankland, comparing it to the blow picked up at Hearts in January, which kept him out for around two months.
While there hasn't been any official announcement on the 31-year-old centre-forward's condition, the initial signs look worrying.
Daily Record journalist Scott McDermott expects Shankland to face a "lengthy" spell on the sidelines.
The Scotland international's injury will be a massive headache for McInnes, but he will certainly be relieved the Glaswegian outfit signed a new striker before the transfer window closed.
Speaking to the Daily Record on 7 September, McDermott said, "It's a body blow for Derek McInnes and the supporters. Just as Shankland was finding his feet at Ibrox and scoring goals, he now faces a lengthy time out.
"The manager must be thanking his lucky stars they got Kevin Kelsy in on deadline day, especially with Youssef Chermiti also crocked."
Why Derek McInnes may want to take it slow with Kevin Kelsy
Rangers have spent a relatively large sum on Kelsy and fans will expect him to come into the fold immediately, especially after Shankland's injury.
The Scottish manager faces a clear dilemma, as he may want the former Portland Timbers striker to settle in before taking the mantle at Ibrox.
Ryan Naderi has contributed important goals in recent matches and could replace Shankland in the starting lineup in upcoming matches.
Bojan Miovski is also still at the Glaswegian outfit and his experience in the Scottish top flight may come in handy in the upcoming double-header against Celtic.