‘Feeling of Regret’ – Lawrence Shankland admits Rangers ‘opportunity’ after Hearts missed chances

‘Feeling of Regret’ – Lawrence Shankland admits Rangers ‘opportunity’ after Hearts missed chances

Lawrence Shankland thinks that there is “definitely opportunity” for Hearts to capitalise on Rangers’ recent troubles in their Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park.

The Jambos captain aims to use “clues” discovered by the Light Blues’ recent opponents, since Philippe Clement’s team has failed to overcome Dundee, Ross County, Celtic, Benfica, and Motherwell since the beginning of March, with their sole league and cup victories coming over Hibs.

And, after losing at the same level of the Viaplay Cup against the Gers on November 5, the Scotland international wants to prevent the “regret” his team felt as they left the pitch.

He told the Daily Record (19 April): “There is a lot of pressure on both teams. Rangers’ last two results will add to the criticism they will face in the league.

We can potentially use it to our advantage, and if the pressure builds during the game,

it may help us. However, we cannot rely solely on it; we must devise our own strategy.

“They didn’t become a horrible team overnight. But there is clearly possibility there,

and you should examine how teams have given them problems and see if you can implement that in the weekend game,

as it may give you a chance.

“Of course, it is better to play them now rather than when they are at their peak,

but I wouldn’t pretend that it will be any easier than it normally is.

Obviously, certain teams have recently achieved success against them. There might be some clues there for us to investigate and examine.”

Regarding the November setback, he stated, “The feeling of regret when you came off the pitch was probably the biggest thing.

We felt like we didn’t really try. Whether it was due to our game plan not succeeding, it didn’t feel right, or it was a little off.

“I believe that is the first thing we will try to improve on. Try to put our own spin on the game and offer ourselves a chance to advance.

We felt as a group we did not give ourselves the best chance that day.”

Lawrence Shankland seeks the end of Rangers’ cup ambitions.

The season is on the verge of fizzling out at Ibrox, after the Viaplay Cup,

which Clement’s men easily won against Shankland earlier this season, appeared to be the start of a fantastic trophy collection.

There is an outside chance that it could, but with the recent run of form,

there is relatively little confidence in that happening compared to a couple of months ago,

including it has been claimed, from within the squad.

Shankland has been extensively linked with a move to Rangers for months, and after the wheels came off the title charge,

which is currently on life support, it appears that the club’s failure to acquire a striker in his mould in January has cost them.

However, the concerns in defence are perhaps of greater concern right now,

especially with Ridvan Yilmaz’s injury holding him out for much longer than expected, and Shankland will be a huge threat there.

It has been suggested that a summer move for the guy who has 28 goals this season is still in the works,

but in the meanwhile, he will be seeking to ruin the Gers’ ambitions of winning a second cup this season.

He’s correct that there appears to be as good an opportunity to score against Rangers as there has been since Michael Beale’s dismissal,

and without a massive turnaround from the struggling Ibrox squad,

the striker might demonstrate what the club is missing at Hampden this weekend.

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