Lawrence Shankland Contract Examined Amid Fresh Rangers Injury Nightmare
Rangers have been handed a major injury concern with Lawrence Shankland facing a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines just as the striker appeared to be finding his best form at Ibrox.
The Rangers captain was forced off after only eight minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 Scottish Premiership victory over Motherwell, with manager Derek McInnes subsequently confirming that the striker had suffered a significant hamstring problem. The timing could hardly be worse for Rangers, with Shankland having scored three goals in his previous two matches.
The 31-year-old had endured a difficult start following his summer move from Hearts, but his recent performances suggested that he was beginning to settle into his new surroundings.
Shankland was particularly influential in Rangers’ 2-1 victory away to Falkirk, scoring both goals to secure an important three points. That brace followed his earlier goal against Aberdeen, taking his tally to four goals in 10 appearances since joining the club.
His latest injury, however, has immediately raised concerns about how long Rangers could be without their captain.
There is particular anxiety because the problem is understood to be similar to the hamstring injury Shankland suffered during his time at Hearts last season. That previous setback kept him out for around three months, and Rangers will be hoping this latest issue does not result in another extended absence.
If Shankland were to miss a similar period this time, Rangers could potentially be without one of their leading forwards for a significant run of fixtures, including the eagerly anticipated meeting with Celtic.
The injury also brings renewed attention to Shankland’s Rangers contract. The Scotland international signed an initial two-year agreement when he moved to Ibrox from Hearts, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2028. Rangers also have an option to extend the deal by another year, which could potentially keep him at Ibrox until 2029.
That extension could become an interesting decision for the club. By the time the optional year arrives, Shankland would be 34, meaning Rangers will have to weigh his goalscoring record, fitness and overall contribution against his age.
For now, though, the immediate priority is his recovery.
McInnes has insisted that Rangers have enough attacking options to cope with Shankland’s absence. Ryan Naderi came off the bench against Motherwell and scored the decisive goal just minutes after replacing the injured captain. Rangers also have new £9.5 million signing Kevin Kelsy, Bojan Miovski and Kim Minsu available as alternative attacking options.
Nevertheless, losing Shankland at this stage represents a significant blow. His recent goals had begun to silence doubts surrounding his arrival, while his leadership as captain has also become increasingly important.
Rangers have now won three consecutive league matches, giving McInnes and his players renewed momentum. But the Shankland injury threatens to disrupt that progress.
The striker’s contract may run until 2028, with the possibility of a further year, but Rangers’ immediate concern is much simpler: getting their captain fit and back on the pitch as quickly as possible.
