Ally McCoist has branded Rangers’ capture of Lawrence Shankland as “overdue” after the Ibrox side secured the Scotland striker on a free transfer from Hearts.
Shankland signed a two-year deal, with the option of a third, after a clause in his Tynecastle contract allowed him to leave before a set date, prompting Rangers to move quickly and complete the deal.
Former striker McCoist welcomed the signing on talkSPORT, but believes it should have happened much sooner. “That’s the word I would use,” he said when asked if the move was overdue.
“Rightly or wrongly, if they’d gone and got him in the January window 18 months or two years ago, they’d have won that league.”
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Despite that, McCoist does not doubt the quality Rangers are adding to their squad. “But it’s a great signing, and he’s been terrific for Hearts,” he added.
“He’s the best finisher in the country, and he might be Scotland’s most natural finisher. The best finisher in the country since Kris Boyd, I would suggest.”
McCoist also praised Shankland’s conduct following his departure from Hearts, where he served as captain. “He’s gone to his boyhood club and I read the statement he made about leaving Hearts the other day and I thought it was very, very well written and very appreciative of the time he had there,” he said.
“He did them proud as captain there and I think he’ll be a very good signing for Rangers.”
