The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Shankland happy to stay with United
Striker content to be part of next season’s plans TANGERINES:
Lawrence Shankland is one of Scottish football’s hottest properties.
But the Dundee United star insists he’s happy to be part of the Tangerines’ plans for next season.
United sporting director Tony Asghar last week told the Courier’s Talking Football Podcast that cashing in on Shankland this summer is not part of the club’s business plan.
Instead, the Tangerines’ transfer chief revealed his desire to allow manager Robbie Neilson to build a team around the 29-goal sensation.
That is unlikely to put off determined suitors. But regardless of outside interest, Shankland says he’s pleased just to be talked about in connection with a striking role for United in the Premiership.
Shankland added: “It’s always nice to hear that. You want to be part of the plans at any football club,” said the humble hitman.
“That’s what I aim towards every day by working hard.
“If I keep scoring goals, I’ll manage to keep myself in there.
“That’s the main thing for me and hopefully we can get this league won sooner rather than later.”
Meanwhile, former United star Johnny Russell has been named in the top 50 players in the MLS ahead of the 2020 season kicking off.
The Sporting Kansas City forward was ranked at 49th on the list by mlssoccer. com – the league’s official website – having notched 19 goals and come up with as many assists across his first two campaigns Stateside.
Sporting kick-off their campaign against Vancouver on Saturday and Russell is expected to play a crucial role in their MLS Cup bid.
On the Scotland internationalist, the MLS said: “It’s no wonder he’s a fan favourite.
“When Russell gets the ball out wide and squares up to go 1v1, entertainment typically ensues.
“And when he’s not beating defenders on the dribble, he’s lining up for a rip at goal.
“When the Scotsman is on his game, Sporting are tough to contain.”
Los Angeles FC striker Carlos Vela, who notched 34 goals last season, tops the list, former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who is now at LA Galaxy, is seventh and onetime Celtic target Darlington Nagbe is 17th.