Lawrence Shankland: Stats show why Rangers should regret missed transfer for Hearts star
Lawrence Shankland could make Rangers deeply regret missing out on his signature as the Hearts striker continues to shine.
The 30-year-old centre-forward has long been linked with a move to Ibrox. Instead, he committed his future to the Jambos in the summer of 2025, adding an extra three years to his stay at Tynecastle Park.
Now, it appears that he could be about to lead Hearts to their first Scottish Premiership title since the 1959-60 season, at the expense of Danny Rohl and his players.
Derek McInnes' side absolutely deserve to be atop the league standings, and after completing the turnaround against Livingston on Sunday, 5 April, Rangers will regret previous transfer misses.
Lawrence Shankland determined in Hearts' Scottish Premiership title race
Last season, there were serious concerns that Shankland would never be the same, notching just eight goals in the Scottish Premiership as the Jambos finished seventh in the table.
However, he now appears inspired by Hearts' rise to the top of the league, scoring 16 goals in all competitions, returning from a long-term injury in style.
Despite missing a couple of early chances, the Scotland international refused to let those missed opportunities faze him, nodding home a brilliant header in the 24th minute.
| Lawrence Shankland vs Livingston | Stats [FotMob] |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Chances created (Big chances) | 1 (1) |
| Shooting accuracy | 18% (2/11) |
| Touches in the opposition box | 12 |
| Recoveries | 2 |
| Aerial duels won | 75% (3/4) |
It would have been very easy for Shankland's head to drop after Livingston took an early lead at the Home of the Set Fare Arena. Instead, he assisted Hearts' next goal before another frustrating equaliser.
Rangers' current strikeforce have differing futures at Ibrox
Rohl's current options through the middle are Youssef Chermiti, Ryan Don Naderi and Bojan Miovski, though none of them have really impressed enough to make the position their own.
Chermiti has certainly found his feet in Scotland, but with his performances so hot-and-cold, he is not always guaranteed to start, while Don Naderi has only scored one league goal since his arrival.
Football Insider understands that Miovski could push for an Ibrox exit, leaving the striker position wide open for someone to claim, and that is why the Gers should regret not pushing for Shankland.
He could seriously be the difference between Rangers and Hearts winning the league title this season, and sadly for Rohl's side, he's not on the blue side of that battle.