Why Lawrence Shankland inherits Rangers burden Kasper Hogh can't touch at Celtic

Lawrence Shankland won't have an easy ride at Rangers.

The Scotland international will soon have a new rival for the William Hill Premiership golden boot as Celtic close in on Kasper Hogh.

Considering the Bodo/Glimt striker's goalscoring reputation in the Champions League, the Gers' summer signing clearly needs to be at his best next season to succeed.

Despite Hogh entering the fiery pits of Scottish football, it's Shankland who will arguably face more heat at Ibrox.

The former Hearts star signed for the Light Blues as a free agent after almost winning the league title in Gorgie.

While the centre-forward turns 31 in August, the Govan side have clearly invested in his experience and clinicality up front, and Derek McInnes will be expected to get him firing in G51.

What Lawrence Shankland can't get wrong at Rangers

Shankland formed a brilliant partnership with Claudio Braga at Hearts and will now probably have to do the same with someone like Youssef Chermiti.

The striker was brought to Ibrox for the sole purpose of taking the Light Blues forward.

For fans in G51, the demand has been the same every season: win the William Hill Premiership title.

What the ex-Hearts ace is now expected to do is take the Glaswegian outfit to the summit by shouldering the responsibility up front.

It's easy to forget that during the 2024-25 campaign, Shankland scored just eight league goals, but that surely won't be good enough at the Govan side next season.

As for Hogh, he's joining a team that has won five league titles in a row, and while there will undoubtedly be high expectations for the 25-year-old Denmark international, he certainly can't touch the burden the Scottish attacker is inheriting in G51.

Lessons Derek McInnes must take from pre-season at Ibrox

Ibrox News have covered reports of McInnes wanting new wingers at Rangers as he looks to add more flair to the team.

Taking the West Ham United friendly as an example, the Gers struggled to create many opportunities in the first half, with Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama out wide.

If the Scottish manager has any intention of playing to Shankland's strengths, then he should add more creativity to his team this transfer window.

The striker can only shine at the Govan side if he's provided the right services from his teammates, something McInnes can't overlook.