Rangers linked Lawrence Shankland 'better' than Alfredo Morelos and given whopping valuation by SPFL boss

The ever outspoken David Martindale had some very positive words to say about Rangers-linked striker Lawrence Shankland following Hearts' victory over his team, in which Shankland scored. He believes that he can outgrow his current club and also believes that he is a better player than former Gers favourite Alfredo Morelos.

He estimated that Shankland is worth 'four or five million pound' and described him as a 'match-winner'. So far this season, Shankland has 13 Scottish Premiership goals from 21 games - he has also managed to notch up a solitary assist in Scotland's top division so far.

Rangers are interested in bringing the player to the Ibrox Stadium in the January transfer window - however, if Martindale's glowing assessment is anything to go by, he certainly won't come cheap.

What did Livingston head coach David Martindale say about Lawrence Shankland?

In a post match interview, Martindale waxed lyrical on Shankland, saying: "I genuinely think Shankland was the difference in the game [against Livingston]. He must be worth four or five million pound. The top end of the park was the difference and Hearts have got a match-winner in their team [Shankland].

"I look at him and compare him. He's completely different from Kyogo [Furuhashi] but he's slightly like [Alfredo] Morelos. Lawrence has more in his overall game and a better mentality. When Morelos was at his prime, it's a tough one but I'm probably taking Lawrence. He doesn't have any temperament problems. I'd love to see him, as a football fan, go and progress.

"Hearts is a huge club, miles ahead of Livi, but I think there's a bit more to come from Lawrence Shankland. His goals in all competitions, halfway through a season, is incredible numbers. It's not just against us either, he's scoring all types of different finishes against everyone."