Lawrence Shankland has completed a move from Hearts to Rangers, signing a three-year deal at Ibrox after his transfer from Gorgie to Govan was confirmed.
The former Hearts skipper will wear the iconic number seven shirt at Ibrox as he prepares to embark on a new chapter in his career.
Former Scotland and Rangers player Andy Gray has backed Shankland to become the club’s number one frontman ahead of next season.
Gray also believes Shankland should be trusted to lead the line for Scotland at the World Cup this summer in the United States.
It remains to be seen whether Shankland has been signed by manager Danny Rohl to partner Youssef Chermiti or replace the Portuguese striker in the starting lineup.
Shankland is among five forwards selected by Scotland boss Steve Clarke for next month’s fixtures against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.
Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams, George Hirst and Ross Stewart are also in contention and vying for a starting position in Clarke’s squad.
Gray, speaking as a television pundit, was direct when asked about Shankland’s role at Ibrox, stating: “Will he be a back-up for Chermiti? Not for me. I think he’s going there to be No1.”
Gray continued: “And I hope that’s how it goes at Rangers and for Scotland. I still don’t understand why he doesn’t get picked for the national team more regularly.”
The pundit was forthright in his assessment of Shankland’s qualities compared to other striking options available to Clarke.
Gray added: “I don’t know what Steve sees in the others. Listen, the other strikers are decent players but if you’re looking for a goalscorer, then Lawrence’s stats are up there with anybody’s.”
Gray expressed strong optimism about what a successful World Cup could mean for Shankland heading into his debut Rangers campaign.
“So I hope he has a wonderful World Cup, comes back buzzing and ready to go for Rangers,” Gray said, underlining his confidence in the striker.
Gray concluded: “And I think that’s exactly what will happen, because whatever happens at the World Cup, he won’t be one who’s tired. He’ll be one that can’t wait to get started at Ibrox.”
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