Celtic hero reveals why Lawrence Shankland hasn’t been bought for big money

LAWRENCE SHANKLAND has a goal-scoring record that would attract most managers.

But his 31 goals for Hearts last season didn’t convince Steve Clarke that he was up to the task of leading the line for Scotland at Euro 2024.

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Shankland, 28, managed just 23 minutes for the national team in Germany with three late cameos in the group fixtures as Che Adams was the preferred option for the former Kilmarnock gaffer.

Adams only had two shots on goal throughout the three games – just on one target – and fans were crying out for the Jambos skipper to start in the must-win clash with Hungary.

But he was given just 13 minutes at the end of the game to try and make an impact.

Clarke’s controversial selections were a major talking point throughout Scotland’s disappointing campaign, with Tartan Army foot soldiers claiming the gaffer should have changed his tactics to get the most out of the hitman.

But Celtic and Scotland hero John Collins reckons Clarke made the right call regarding Shankland as he believes the striker doesn’t have “the legs” to play up top himself for Scotland.

And he says the hitman would be worth £30million if he did.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound, he said: “The reason why he hasn’t played is because he’d be a lone striker and he’s not got the legs.

“His weakness is his legs. He’s successful in Scottish football because he gets the ball in and around the box to score goals.

“That Scotland team never got into the box. If he’s not in the box then he’s not serving the team.

“He can’t get the ball at the half way line and run away from somebody. He would be good if we were getting in the box and played with two wingers.

“He’s a finisher and he’s proved that.

“But there’s reason why he hasn’t been bought for lots of money and there’s no bids for him. 

“Somebody scores 30 goals and that’s £30million.

“I think he’s a good sub (for Scotland).”

Rangers legend Kenny Miller refuted Collins’ comments and insisted that the striker has more to his game than just scoring goals.

He replied: “We have a guy who’d scored 33 goals and he only got 22 minutes. 

“There’s a perception that Lawrence is just a goalscorer but for me he’s the best all-round striker we have. 

“I’ve watched him a lot and if you get the ball to him, he’ll hold it up better than anyone else we’ve got. 

“He’s just come to a Euros after scoring all those goals. 

“We needed to get up the pitch and have someone capable of getting a hold of the ball and for me Lawrence is our best for that.

“What else we had didn’t work, so you are analysing it, and I think Lawrence is very, very clever.” 

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