Put Shankland top of wish list
As we head into the busy festive Christmas programme of fixtures, there’s one player every club in the running for the Scottish Premiership really needs to get their hands on the title.
A reliable striker that scores goals.
Rangers moved to the top of the tree on Sunday after grinding out a win against Hamilton at Ibrox.
And while Alfredo Morelos still tops the scoring charts, he was absent once again.
There’s no denying his talent in front of goal. But he’s no use to his team when he’s sat in the stands. If Rangers are to sustain their title tilt they need him on the pitch more often than he is.
With Leigh Griffiths out for an undetermined period, Celtic have looked to Odsonne Edouard to sustain their push for their eighth league title in a row. And while the youngster can be sharp in front of goal, his touch and consistency still leave a lot to be desired.
When Celtic have struggled this season, as they did on Saturday when they lost out to Hibs and in draws with Livingston and Motherwell earlier this season, they haven’t had a player to break through a stubborn defence.
Edouard was painful to watch against Salzburg. It remains to be seen if he is up to the task when Celtic need results at the business end of the year.
Kilmarnock and Steve Clarke played a blinder when they persuaded Greg Stewart to join the Ayrshire revolution earlier this season.
His eight goals have fired Killie to the top end of the table. But if they are to keep pace with their big-spending rivals, they’ll surely need to add more firepower to have any chance of keeping up.
Early leaders Hearts have been a totally different team since Steven Naismith went down injured in their cup clash with the Hoops.
His importance to the team has been painfully revealed , but gaffer Craig Levein took a risk when he placed all his faith in the 32-year-old.
With 36-year-old Steven Maclean clearly not up to scratch in the capital, Hearts definitely need another striker to ease the burden on Naismith when he returns to action shortly.
They have got Czech striker Davidvanecek joining in January, and need him to hit the ground running to have any chance.
Aberdeen also look woefully short up top with Adam Rooney still to be properly replaced.
Sam Cosgrove was hotly-tipped but has managed just four goals. They still need a striker to get back into the title race.
And who could be the perfect stocking filler for anyone willing to finally take a gamble?
Look no further than Ayr United’s 23-year-old prolific finisher Lawrence Shankland. Having already notched 28 goals this season alone, he’s already attracting interest from clubs in England.
Someone should add him to their Christmas list before he’s wrapped up and delivered down south.