Lawrence Shankland 'certainty' verdict on mooted Rangers transfer gets pundit accused of Hearts chip on his shoulder
Lawrence Shankland will be a "certainty" to make the Scotland squad for Euro 2024 if he signs for Rangers, according to Tam McManus.
The pundit told PLZ Soccer's The Football Show on 17 November that the Hearts striker's chances will be greatly boosted for Steve Clarke's squad if he makes a heavily-tipped switch to Ibrox in the winter window, after his stoppage-time equaliser against Georgia on Friday (15 November).
Host Peter Martin then jokingly accused former Hibs striker McManus of having an Edinburgh chip on his shoulder over his prediction.
Lee McCulloch had said (8m 20s): "If it were up to me he would definitely be on that plane."
McManus then cut in: "If he signs for Rangers it's a certainty."
Martin asked him: "Now, is there any chance you could take that chip off your shoulder? Honestly, you spend two months in Edinburgh on a night out and suddenly you've got a chip [on your shoulder]."
A laughing McManus replied: "I think if he signs for Rangers he'll be in the squad, so we'll see what happens in January."
On the cards?
The incentive for Rangers to make this deal happen is clear, as Shankland increasingly looks to be reprising his goalscoring form from last season, where he netted 29 times in all competitions.
With 10 in total for the Jam Tarts this term, plus his first international strike for four years, he looks to be a much greater threat in front of goal than the likes of Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers at present.
The incentive has been clearly laid out for the 28-year-old himself if his chances of getting in the national team squad for a major tournament are to be given a major boost by moving.
But whether the only incentive for his current club, the fee, is so easily brought into the equation is surely what will determine whether there is a genuine chance it happens or not.
As Hearts' captain and talisman it goes without saying they don't particularly want to lose him, so it would take a hefty fee to convince them otherwise, and after Rangers spent heavily in the summer that might not be simple.
A significant sale has been mooted ahead of the January window in order to fund James Bisgrove's presumed promise to back Philippe Clement in the market, but completing an exit and capturing Shankland is easier said than done.
In theory it makes perfect sense, but in practical terms it might be a tough one, but all eyes will be on the Scot in the New Year.