Richard Foster believes Lawrence Shankland's arrival at Rangers marks a pivotal step towards rebuilding a Scottish identity at the club. The Ibrox side triggered a release clause to sign the Scotland international on a free transfer from Hearts, a move that has surprised many in Scottish football.
Foster, a former Rangers player, highlighted the importance of a strong Scottish core, drawing parallels with successful Old Firm teams of the past. 'Typically the best Celtic and Rangers teams that I have played against always had that core of Scottish players,' he said. 'They understand the demands and that drawing a game away from home is not a good result.'
Rangers have struggled with a lack of firepower last season, and Foster is confident Shankland will address that issue. 'He's going to get more chances at Rangers than he did at Hearts,' Foster noted. 'If he keeps up his form, he's going to score 20-plus goals.' The club is also pursuing other Scottish talents, including Dundee's Luke Graham and Motherwell's Elliot Watt, to complement existing homegrown players like Connor Barron, John Souttar, Liam Kelly, and Findlay Curtis.
Foster emphasised the unique pressures of playing in Glasgow, where the intensity and scrutiny are unmatched. 'Scottish people are different, it's a different mindset, more intense,' he explained. 'Players from outside sometimes don't quite get that, but a core of Scottish players will know what it's all about.' He also suggested Shankland could be a strong candidate for the captaincy, given his leadership at Hearts and his experience on the international stage.
Despite finishing third last season, Foster believes Rangers will be in a better position next year with Shankland leading the line. 'If you're thinking about an identity of what you want your team to be, that's it,' he concluded.
