Barry Ferguson delivers Lawrence Shankland verdict after Charlie Mulgrew’s Rangers criticism

Barry Ferguson has given his verdict on Lawrence Shankland’s place in the Rangers team after Charlie Mulgrew questioned whether the striker would walk straight back into the starting XI if he were fit.

Shankland has been sidelined by an injury that required surgery and is not expected to return until early 2027. The forward had recently come off crutches as he continued his recovery at Ibrox, but his absence has given Ryan Naderi and Kevin Kelsy an opportunity to establish themselves together in attack.

The pair have impressed under Derek McInnes, building a promising partnership that could make it difficult for Shankland to reclaim his place when he returns.

Barry Ferguson responds to Charlie Mulgrew’s Shankland question

Shankland had been showing signs of finding his best form before suffering the injury, scoring three goals across victories against Aberdeen and Falkirk.

The timing was particularly frustrating for the 31-year-old, who will also miss Rangers’ Wednesday meeting with his former club Hearts.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, former Celtic defender Mulgrew asked Ferguson whether Shankland would start for Rangers if he were available.

Mulgrew also raised a criticism sometimes levelled at the striker, suggesting he does not contribute as much of the physical work as Naderi and Kelsy.

Ferguson, however, made it clear that Shankland would have to compete for his place rather than expect an automatic return to the starting line-up.

He said: “He would need to earn his right to get into the starting XI, up top those two are building a brilliant relationship.

“I just really like the two of them together, they’re a real handful and they’re bringing a bit of quality as well. But do you know what I love about them? The dirty side of the game, they work so hard for the team.”

Shankland faces a battle to reclaim his Rangers place

Ferguson’s comments highlight the challenge facing Shankland when he eventually returns to action.

Naderi and Kelsy have given McInnes a forward partnership that offers both attacking quality and a willingness to work hard without the ball. Their growing understanding could strengthen their claims to remain in the starting XI.

For Shankland, the priority will be completing his rehabilitation and returning to full fitness. His recent goals showed that he can still make an impact, but he may need to demonstrate that he can match the work rate and team contribution Ferguson values.

With his return not expected until early 2027, Rangers have time to develop their current attacking options further. Shankland’s place in the team could therefore become an important selection debate once he is ready to compete again.