Lawrence Shankland has shrugged off any notion of pressure following his summer move to Rangers, insisting he is relishing the challenge of establishing himself at Ibrox. The 30-year-old striker, who joined from Hearts in May, is currently with the squad at a pre-season training camp in Spain, where he spoke openly about his ambitions.
"I don't actually feel too much pressure," Shankland told assembled media. "Obviously, when you go everywhere and you get a fresh start, you need to get yourself, try and make yourself the first name on the team sheet and that's what I'm going to try and do here as well. Nothing changes with that approach. I've always wanted to prove myself. I want to make the most of every opportunity I get. I'm buzzing to be here, buzzing to get started and really looking forward to it."
The Scotland international arrives with a prolific domestic pedigree. He sits third on the Scottish Premiership all-time scorers list with 80 goals, across spells at Aberdeen, Dundee United and Hearts. That tally leaves him just 12 short of former Celtic and Dundee forward Leigh Griffiths and James Tavernier, whose own Rangers career recently came to a close.
Competition for places under McInnes
Shankland is not the only new face in attack, however. Manager Derek McInnes has overhauled the Rangers forward line, bringing in Youssef Chermiti, Bojan Miovski and Ryan Naderi. The quartet will vie for starting spots, with the three newcomers having scored 31 goals between them last season, while Shankland netted 20 in Hearts colours.
The reunion with McInnes adds an intriguing layer. The pair previously worked together at Aberdeen, and the manager's intimate knowledge of Shankland's game could prove decisive.
"The manager knows me as a player, first and foremost. He's known me for a long time. He knows what I thrive on as a player," Shankland said. "My role probably last year was a bit different from what he had maybe seen when I was younger. The good thing is he knows what to expect from me. We're on the same page."
Shankland's arrival was long-anticipated. He revealed the closest he had previously been to signing for Rangers was during his time at Ayr United between 2017 and 2019. Now the move has materialised, he is determined to seize the moment.
Proven goalscorer with a point to prove
Despite his impressive numbers, Shankland's move to a club of Rangers' stature carries inevitable scrutiny. However, the striker is embracing the environment rather than wilting under it. With the Scottish Premiership season approaching and the club aiming to reclaim the title, McInnes will need his attacking options firing from the start.
Shankland's mentality could be a key asset. After representing Scotland at the World Cup, he returns to domestic duty with added confidence. The Ibrox faithful will hope that his hunger translates into goals and that his partnership with McInnes can unlock the best version of a striker who has consistently delivered at every previous stop.
Club: Rangers
Previous club: Hearts
Scottish Premiership goals: 80
2025/26 goals: 20
International: Scotland (World Cup participant)
For now, the message from the player is clear: the weight of expectation is not a burden, but a motivator.
Source: BBC Sport
