Rangers Wonderkid Coming for Shankland’s Number 7 Shirt After Stunning Rise

Lawrence Shankland’s injury absence could have much bigger consequences for his Rangers future than initially expected, with one academy graduate already making a case for the No.7 shirt further down the line.

The Rangers captain suffered a hamstring injury during the Premiership meeting with Motherwell at Ibrox last month and was forced off during the first half.

Ryan Naderi eventually came off the bench and scored the only goal of the game, but the news surrounding Shankland proved far more serious.

The striker suffered a hamstring tear which required surgery and is expected to be unavailable for around four months.

That means Shankland may not return to Derek McInnes’ side until the second half of the season, creating an opportunity for the forwards around him to establish themselves.

Shankland faces a battle when he returns

Shankland arrived at Ibrox during the summer with considerable expectations after scoring 16 Premiership goals for Hearts last season.

However, his start to life with Rangers had been mixed before the injury.

He has scored three league goals from five Premiership appearances, although only two of those goals have come from open play, both arriving in the same match against Falkirk.

His underlying numbers also suggest that there has been room for improvement.

Shankland’s 2026/27 Premiership numbers:

The 31-year-old has struggled to consistently influence matches outside of his goals, while his duel numbers indicate that he has not always provided the physical presence Rangers require from their central striker.

That could become particularly important when he eventually returns.

Naderi has taken advantage of Shankland’s absence, registering two goals and an assist across his three league starts while winning 44% of his duels.

Meanwhile, Kevin Kelsy, who joined Rangers for around £9m, has also already contributed a goal and an assist.

With both players competing for attacking positions, Shankland could face a difficult task forcing his way straight back into McInnes’ starting XI.

Findlay Curtis could have his eyes on No.7

If Shankland eventually loses his place in the Rangers hierarchy, his No.7 shirt could become available.

While Naderi and Kelsy are unlikely to be obvious candidates for the number, Rangers have another attacking player who looks far more naturally suited to wearing it.

Findlay Curtis has emerged as an increasingly important member of McInnes’ squad and could eventually make a claim for the shirt.

The 20-year-old currently wears No.52, but his attacking versatility makes him a potential long-term candidate for the No.7.

Curtis first broke into the Rangers first team under Russell Martin last season before spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Kilmarnock.

He scored five goals in 14 appearances during his time at Rugby Park and returned to Ibrox this summer ready to compete for regular first-team football.

He has since featured in all 13 of Rangers’ matches across all competitions this season.

The lack of goals and assists at club level so far might look disappointing, but the youngster has been creating opportunities consistently.

Curtis has created 11 Premiership chances, including two big chances, despite his teammates failing to convert them.

His latest international outing offered another reminder of his potential.

Curtis produced a sensational performance for Scotland Under-21s during their 5-2 victory over Azerbaijan, providing four assists.

Operating as a right-sided No.10, he was heavily involved throughout the match and demonstrated the creativity and technical ability that have made him one of the more exciting young players coming through at Rangers.

Curtis could become Rangers’ next No.7

Curtis has already shown that he can operate through the middle or from either wing, giving McInnes plenty of tactical options.

He has also contributed three goals and three assists at senior level for Rangers despite still being in the early stages of his development.

His next challenge is turning flashes of quality into consistent performances and adding more end product to his game.

If he manages to do that, there is little reason why Curtis could not become a significant player for Rangers over the coming years.

That could also put him in contention for one of the club’s most recognisable squad numbers.

Shankland’s long-term position at Ibrox is uncertain, particularly given his age and the competition now developing around him.

Curtis, meanwhile, represents a completely different profile: a young, versatile attacking player who naturally fits the kind of role traditionally associated with the No.7 shirt.

For now, Shankland remains the holder of the number.

But if Curtis continues his current development, it would not be surprising to see the Rangers academy graduate eventually make a claim for it himself.