New Rangers signing Lawrence Shankland has spoken publicly for the first time about his return to Ibrox and the appointment of Derek McInnes as the club’s new manager, admitting he has been keeping thoughts of his club future firmly in the background while on international duty with Scotland at the World Cup.
The striker, who is preparing for Scotland’s highly anticipated clash with Brazil, was asked about the managerial change back in Glasgow and McInnes’ arrival following Danny Rohl’s departure to RB Salzburg.
Shankland confirmed he had seen the developments but insisted his full focus remains on the tournament.
“Obviously I’ve seen the news while I was over here,” he said.
“Listen, I’m pleased for the manager, it’s a good opportunity for him, pleased for myself to obviously be there.
“I’ve not had too much time to think about it if I’m being honest and it’s something I’m putting to the back of my mind.”
The forward, who was captain at Tynecastle under McInnes at Hearts, is set for a reunion with the manager at Rangers but stressed that immediate attention is fixed on Scotland’s World Cup campaign.
“I’m looking forward to a fresh start when I go back,” he added.
“But right now I’m just looking to focus on this World Cup and enjoy this tournament.”
Asked about the pace of events since the end of the domestic season, Shankland admitted the turnaround from club uncertainty to World Cup football has felt surreal.
“When I looked back and I looked at the date for when everything happened from the end of the season to get to this point, it’s actually not been that long, but it does feel a while,” he said.
“The main thing is I want to just enjoy this tournament. I’ll think about the rest of the stuff when I get back home.”
Looking ahead to facing Brazil, Shankland also made clear his mindset as a striker at the top level, emphasising his hunger for chances in front of goal.
“I’m craving more than one chance to be honest,” he said.
“As a striker, everybody talks about those moments in front of goal. Hopefully as a team, whether that’s for me or somebody else, we can create that.
“Hopefully one or more clear-cut chances to go and punish the opposition.”
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