Swans target is in big demand – McInnes
GARETH Southgate has defended the inclusion of Wayne Rooney in the England squad for the coming fixtures with USA and Croatia, revealing he could even feature as captain in a tribute that has been discussed for over a year.
Rooney retired from international duty in August 2017 after 119 caps and a record 53 goals, and his England career is set to be honoured by a final, further cap against the USA at Wembley THE former manager of reported Swansea City and Rangers target Lawrence Shankland says the striker will not be short of options come the January transfer window after an explosive start to his campaign with Ayr United.
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes, who worked with Shankland at Pittodrie, says the youngster has come on leaps and bounds since he left the Dons – a decision McInnes does not regret.
Shankland didn’t make the grade under McInnes and after a couple of failed loan moves has now found a home with the Honest Men – and he hasn’t stopped scoring since.
He has 21 goals already this term to go with the 29 in 33 matches he notched up last season.
You can read all about him and his background here .
McInnes said: “He has been brilliant.
“Sometimes you need to make those steps back to go forward.
“I know Lawrence and his family really well. next Thursday with a substitute appearance.
The England manager remains adamant that the occasion will not devalue the shirt and also described as “strange” the divisive debate that has surrounded Rooney’s involvement, which the forward felt would not be appropriate in the friendly against Nigeria on the eve of the World Cup.
“Those discussions started over
“We still keep in touch. By his own admission he fell short here. He had a lot of growing up to do and had a lot of self reflection. But he has worked extremely hard.
“It is good to see him doing well as it is with any of your younger ones who don’t quite breakthrough. He is a good example for what can be done.”
His prolific scoring record has attracted interest south of the border, as well as notifying Scottish sides of his potential. Rangers in the Scottish Premiership are keeping tabs on 12 months ago; I was quite happy for the tribute to be before the World Cup but Wayne didn’t want to detract from the team at that time, which everyone respected,” said Southgate. “That’s why it was put back.
“Now we have the opportunity at Wembley to pay that tribute. I’m still able to look to the future with the squad we’ve picked, but also I’ve spoken a lot to the players about honouring ex-players.” him, as well as Sunderland and Scunthorpe in England. But Swansea are said to be favourites and are said to be preparing a bid for him in January - with the forward out of contract with Ayr in the summer.
The Dons manager added: “Even when he played in the development team he always scored goals.
“He’s always been a good goalscorer but he’s got himself fitter and sharper. He has been at a couple of different clubs but Ayr seems to be a really good fit for him.
“I spoke to him and his agent recently and he is going to have plenty of options come January, I have no doubt about that.
“He seems to have become a more complete player and is not just a finisher.”
Swansea manager Graham Potter is set to be boosted by the return of Wilfried Bony this weekend after a nine-month absence through injury. But with question marks remaining over his long-term Liberty future, Swansea could well be in the market for another striker.