Scotland star reflects on swift Ibrox changes as new Rangers recruit relishes 'fresh start' and McInnes reunion
Former Hearts skipper excited by new beginning in Glasgow as he gears up for Brazil clash
Lawrence Shankland admits he is relishing a new beginning at boyhood club Rangers as he shared his excitement at reuniting with former Hearts manager Derek McInnes in Glasgow.
The pair previously worked closely together at Tynecastle, falling agonisingly short in their Scottish Premiership title bid last season.
Shankland's impressive form for the Jambos secured him a move along the M8 last month when Danny Rohl was head coach before the German moved to Austrian outfit RB Salzburg.
McInnes was quickly named as Rohl’s successor, with the 30-year-old former Aberdeen, Bristol City and Kilmarnock boss finding out about his appointment while on a family vacation the United States.
Shankland, who will return to Ibrox after the World Cup, is looking forward to a fresh start but remains focused on the challenge ahead with Scotland as they prepare to face Brazil in their final group stage fixture in Miami on Wednesday.
“I seen the news while I was over here,” Shankland said when asked about the prospect of linking up with McInnes again. “Listen, I'm pleased for the manager. It's a good opportunity for him. I'm pleased for myself to be there.
Shankland: ‘I'm looking forward to a fresh start’
“I've not had too much time to think about it to be honest. It's something I've put to the back of my mind. I'm looking forward to a fresh start when I go back but right now I'm looking to focus on this World Cup and enjoy this tournament.”
Reflecting on the swift changes at Ibrox, he said: “Time's went really fast to be honest. When I looked back and looked at the date from when everything happened at the end of the season to get to this point, it's actually not been that long.
“But it does feel a while. The main thing is I want to try and enjoy this tournament and I'll think about the rest of the stuff when I get back home.”