Scotland new boy Lawrence Shankland has dismissed claims that he almost joined Rangers.
His former Ayr United boss Ian McCall claimed on Tuesday the striker came “very close” to signing for Gers in January.
But Shankland, who instead joined Dundee United in the summer, insists he knew nothing about Rangers' interest although there was a concrete offer on the table from Swansea.
Shankland, whose stunning form for United has earned a place in Steve Clarke’s latest Scotland squad, said: “He (McCall) must have known something I didn’t know.
“I didn’t know much about that, honestly.
“They might have been watching me last season but there was nothing stick-on about it.”
Rangers have watched the 15-goal star in action again this season, along with champions Celtic.
But United boss Robbie Neilson insists he won’t cash in on his top striker in January and Shakland’s sole mission is to fire his current team back into the Premiership.
The 24-year-old: “If people are watching me this season then I’m obviously doing my job. And scoring goals will always attract attention.
“But I have a job to do here this season. I signed for three years with United in the summer – and that’s what I’m committed to.
“If and when I do leave, I want United to be in the Premiership. That was part of my objective when I came here.
“The club has ambition to get back into the top flight and be established in that league. That’s why I signed the contract I did.
“So hopefully we win the Championship or get through the play-offs and be up there next season.”
Boss Neilson added: “There is not any pressure on us to sell Lawrence.
“He signed a three-year contract, which is great for us, and has international recognition so we won’t be looking to do anything until at least the summer.
“I have spoken to Lawrence and to get where he wants to get to he also needs to do it in the top-flight as well.
“He is proven in the Championship but it is a big step to go up and do it again in the Premiership. We hope we can give him the platform to prove himself there.”
The Tannadice star’s phone has been buzzing since his Scotland call-up with former team-mates and managers offering him congratulations.
And one of the texts came from Scotland skipper Andy Robertson, his team-mate at Queen’s Park as a kid.
The Spiders plan to put up a picture of the duo
celebrating a goal in their time at the club to inspire the next generation of Hampden hopefuls.
And Shankland said: “I had that picture on my phone anyway – I’ve had it on there for ages. A great screensaver!
“Robbo texted me just to say well done and that he would see me next week.”
