Rangers

Image source, SNS

Lawrence Shankland says completing a "dream" move to Rangers has provided the ideal boost as he looks to sparkle for Scotland at the World Cup.

The 30-year-old striker ended his goal-laden Hearts career by making a surprise switch to Ibrox last week before netting a double in Scotland's 4-1 friendly win over Curacao at Hampden.

In a Scottish FA interview in America before Saturday's friendly against Bolivia in New Jersey, Shankland said: "Obviously I finished the season pretty strong, so confidence was already high.

"To join my boyhood club, somewhere that I've always had a dream to play, and to get that opportunity, especially in the later stages of your career, I'm just happy and excited to get that opportunity.

"It can give you that wee boost and hopefully it does going into these games."

Shankland's transfer had to be hastily concluded before he joined up with the Scotland camp last week.

"Obviously, I was due to meet up with Scotland on the Tuesday but I had to delay to the Wednesday for my medicals and stuff," he said. "I felt like it was pretty important for me to get it done before I came here.

"I think when you come to a World Cup, you want to enjoy that experience. I don't think I wanted anything hanging over my head with my club football so I was quite keen to get things wrapped up.

"Obviously, it was a big decision for me, leaving Hearts. It's a great club. I've got a lot of good times and good memories there. But the opportunity to go and join Rangers is one that I couldn't really turn down.

"As I said, it was just important that I got that sorted before I came here. Then, full focus on the World Cup."

Shankland admitted he has allowed himself to dream of scoring at the World Cup. "I think everybody will," he said. "Everybody will aim to leave their stamp here.

"As a striker, that's what you're judged on so of course I'd love to get on the scoresheet at the World Cup. But as long as the team's winning and I'm playing my part that way, I'd be happy as well."

Shankland revealed a gift from skipper Andy Robertson reaffirmed how big a deal it is to represent Scotland at a World Cup.

"Andy actually left us a wee letter the other night and gave us a couple of wee gifts to say well done for being in the squad, etc," he said.

"The numbers on that, when he put the significance of how many people there are and how little people are in this squad, it was huge. That added to the importance of it."

Paraag Marathe remains "very, very involved" at Rangers, despite stepping down as vice-chairman and suggests there will be opportunities for players to move between Leeds United and Rangers, with both clubs in the 49ers Enterprises' stable. (Yorkshire Evening Post), external

Former Rangers captain and manager Barry Ferguson is eager to see how Findlay Curtis, 19, develops at Ibrox next season. (Record - subscription required), external

Friday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

Former striker Gordon Durie is upbeat about Rangers' title chances next season after the club landed the "best finisher in Scotland" by luring Lawrence Shankland from Hearts.

"He'll be massive. It's been a long time coming, there's been a lot of rumours over the past couple of years about him joining," Durie told Sky Sports.

"He's here now and I think he's probably the best finisher in Scotland.

"He knows the Scottish game inside out and I'm sure he'll be a fantastic signing for Rangers."

Shankland is Rangers' only summer arrival so far, but Durie expects plenty more to follow as Danny Rohl reshapes the squad whose title bid imploded post-split last season with four straight defeats.

"Very optimistic [about Rangers' title chances]," said the 60-year-old ex-Ibrox and Scotland forward.

"Until the last five games they were there or thereabouts, didn't finish the season too well.

"Obviously Danny Rohl is going to have his first pre-season, bring in his own players, so it's a hugely important summer for him and the club. Hopefully he brings in a few."

Image source, SNS

Rangers and Scotland defender John Souttar recalled a "scary" experience as he joined the Scottish Sports Concussion Advisory Group.

The former Dundee United and Hearts centre-back has joined former Scotland rugby international Geoff Cross and Olympic cyclist Neah Evans as athlete ambassadors to help contribute to the education and awareness programme.

Souttar spent a night in hospital in 2017 after suffering a head injury while playing for Scotland Under-21s against Latvia.

"My own experience was a bit scary," he said. "I thought I'd been stretchered off but I've since seen pictures of me walking off the pitch.

"My return was very carefully managed and the doctors were great, checking on my symptoms and taking me through the process step by step.

"This cause deserves a powerful voice at every level. As ambassador, the focus must be on grassroots awareness, where the real difference is made."

Statistics suggest half of sports concussions go unreported and young people aged 10-19 are most affected.

The education programme arose from activism by Peter Robinson, whose 14-year-old son Ben died after suffering an injury during a school rugby match.

Co-chair of the group Dr Stephanie Adams said: "We need to start learning about this critical topic from a young age.

"That's where we can begin to truly shift the culture to respect and protect the brain but also encourage safe, lifelong, sport and exercise participation."

Image source, SNS

The World Cup kicks off in a week's time and all 48 squads are locked in.

Seven Scottish top-flight clubs have players at the big show in the Americas.

Of the 1,248 players at the tournament, 21 (1.68%) plied their trade in the Premiership in season 2025-26.

Celtic have the biggest representation with eight players, while Rangers are next on seven (including Derek Cornelius, who spent the season on loan from Marseille).

Here is the full list:

Celtic – Alistair Johnston (Canada), Daizen Maeda (Japan), Benjamin Nygren (Sweden), Yang Hyun-jun (South Korea), Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston (both Scotland), Sebastian Tounekti (Tunisia), Auston Trusty (USA).

Rangers – Nicolas Raskin (Belgium), Thelo Aasgaard (Norway), Findlay Curtis, Lawrence Shankland, John Souttar, Liam Kelly (all Scotland), Derek Cornelius (Canada).

Hearts– Cammy Devlin (Australia), Craig Gordon (Scotland).

Hibs – Grant Hanley (Scotland).

Motherwell – Elijah Just (New Zealand).

Kilmarnock – Aaron Tshibola (DR Congo).

Livingston – Tete Yengi (Australia).

Rangers have opened direct contact with the representatives of Hammarby right-back Hampus Skoglund, who has three years to run on his contract with the Swedish club. (Rangers News), external

Toronto are in talks with Rangers about the future of 27-year-old midfielder Jose Cifuentes, who is on loan at the Canadian club until the end of this month. (Record - subscription required), external

Thursday's Scottish gossip

We asked for your views on who should be kept and who should be moved on at Rangers this summer.

Here's what some of you said:

Graham: Raskin is a must keep at Rangers, he is technically gifted and a leader. Danny Rohl relied on him last season, he must be named captain. Mohamed Diomande was excellent in his first season but he's lost his game, so maybe it is time to cash in on him. He is a player I found to only play when he felt like it, and not for the team when it came to challenging for the title, disappointing.

Ross: We shouldn't even consider selling Raskin. We'd be nothing without him. For me a new defence should be a priority, somebody like Luke Graham would be a decent addition and of course we need a new James Tavernier. I am quietly optimistic this time for no apparent reason, but we have to hope for an improvement on last year.

Peter: Raskin and Diomande along with Oliver Antman are the ones in my book who continually underperform, then suddenly they will play to a decent level when it suits, so they should shape up or ship out.

Fraser: Why is Lyall Cameron not part of Rohl's plan? He stood out in the Dundee team and that's why we bought him. Same with Bojan Miovski, who I would like to see team up with Lawrence Shankland rather than Youssef Chermiti. Makes me think there is a clash of personality going on.

Steven: The team should be getting built around Raskin. If he's a starter for Belgium he has to be the first name on our teamsheet. Solid, proven defenders are needed and those who just didn't cut it last season, Antman, Djeidi Gassama and co. need shifted on. I'd like to see Cameron stay and play regularly, alongside Connor Barron - two guys that know what it means to play for Rangers and will give 100%. I'd like to see a real Scottish identity every week too. Findlay Curtis, Bailey Rice, Shankland and the two midfield boys.

Sally: Raskin and Diomande are Rangers' most creative and influential players - selling them would be madness. Add Barron into the mix and what a midfield we would have.

Image source, Sportsfile via Getty

Rangers are willing to depart with Nedim Bajrami this summer transfer window as plans for a clear-out intensify (Football Insider), external.

Rangers and Celtic are set to battle it out for the signing of BK Hacken star Silas Andersen this summer (Football Insider), external.

Andersen could be on the move this summer, after Hacken sporting director Erik Friberg admitted the midfielder's future is far from certain (Glasgow Times), external.

Read Wednesday's gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

Skipper James Tavernier is a big-name departure this summer - but how many other Rangers players might follow him out the exit?

Loan players Mikey Moore, Andreas Skov Olsen, Max Aarons, Jayden Meghoma, Nasser Djiga and Derek Cornelius have all returned to their parent clubs.

Ibrox boss Danny Rohl is keen to bring Moore back after the Tottenham teenager's lively season-long spell, but most of the other loanees ranged from near anonymous to passable.

Other than Tavernier, only teenage midfielder Bailey Rice and back-up goalkeeper Liam Kelly are out of contract at Rangers this summer. Kelly is World Cup bound with Scotland and while there has been speculation over a new Rangers deal, as it stands he will soon be a free agent.

Fellow goalkeeper Jack Butland - believed to be one of the biggest earners in the Ibrox squad - is entering the final 12 months of his contract. Might Rohl be tempted to move him on to free up further funds for a rebuild?

Out-of-favour players the German would want shot of include Jose Cifuentes, Danilo and Nedim Bajrami, while Lyall Cameron was shipped out on loan to Aberdeen in January and might be best seeking a fresh start elsewhere.

Attacking players such as Oliver Antman and Thelo Aasgaard have much to prove after underwhelming debut seasons at Ibrox, while Lawrence Shankland's arrival raises questions over where Bojan Miovski will fit in to the forward line.

Midfielders Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande both now have two years left on their deals and are among the club's most sellable assets. The World Cup offers Belgium's Raskin a shop window in which to showcase his talents, but Diomande was omitted from the Ivory Coast squad.

Rohl has made it clear he is seeking to sign leaders this summer, and former Ibrox goalkeeper Cammy Bell expects plenty of comings and goings.

"Rangers fans will want bodies in the door, but they'll be absolutely delighted to get Shankland," Bell told the BBC's Scottish football podcast.

"He guarantees you domestic goals. Shankland's a top, top player and that's a really good bit of business but they've got a lot more to do.

"And they have a number of players they'll need to get out the door as well. There's a lot of players Rohl will regard as not being in his plans for next season, he needs to get them off the wage bill."

Rangers fans, should the club cash in on the likes of Raskin and Diomande this summer or are they a must-keep? Who should be moved on after a trophyless season? Let us know your thoughts here.

Image source, SNS

Former Scotland goalkeeper Cammy Bell says he would choose Craig Gordon "all day long" to start the opening World Cup match against Haiti despite the 43-year-old's age and lack of game time this season.

Gordon had not featured for Hearts since January when he played the opening 45 minutes of Saturday's 4-1 friendly win over Curacao at Hampden.

But Bell, who is four years younger than Gordon and retired six years ago, feels "the experience he's got" is something Scotland will need "going on such a big stage" at the finals in the United States.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish football podcast, Bell said: "There's going to be a huge amount of pressure on the team and the players to go and get a result in that first game," he said.

"Yes, Gordon has not played a lot this season, but we could have said that in previous games for Scotland where he's had to step in, he's had to come in cold and perform and he manages to do that. He makes big moments, he makes big saves.

"I just think the experience will get him through it, I really do."

Rangers' Liam Kelly played his third game since January when taking over from Gordon for the second half against Curacao, while Angus Gunn has played once for Nottingham Forest this year and his only other outing was in Scotland's friendly defeat by Japan in March.

"That probably plays in the favour of Craig Gordon that the other two that he's competing against haven't had a lot of game time this season either," Bell suggested.

"So, for me, it would be Craig Gordon purely going by his experience and certainly as well you've got to mention he's still a top, top goalkeeper as well.

"If you've not played a lot of games, you're relying on your experience. And that's why I've got to sway towards Craig Gordon.

"He's got so much experience, over 80 caps for Scotland. That's a huge amount of experience on his shoulders and he'll walk into this no problem for me."

Bojan Miovski has not ruled out leaving Rangers this summer with the 26-year-old striker determined to start more games next season. (FlashScore), external

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has reportedly dropped down the pecking order in Wolfsburg's next manager hunt, with the relegated German club setting their sights on Verl boss Tobias Strobl, according to reports in Germany. (Daily Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

A good World Cup for Scotland winger Findlay Curtis would have "big clubs circling", according to Kevin Thomson, who was his coach at Rangers from the age of 12.

The 19-year-old burst into Steve Clarke's squad for the finals after a blistering end to the season on loan to Kilmarnock - and then by scoring in Saturday's 4-1 friendly win over Curacao.

Thomson admits that Curtis was "probably a wee bit of a bronze-silver medal mentality as a young Rangers player" and his progress shows what you can achieve through hard work and dedication.

"Great boy," the former Rangers and Scotland midfielder told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "Was never probably one that was at the top of the group. Never really one of the diamonds as such, but a humble, real hard-working lad.

"A lot of people probably thought he's maybe not going to go to Kilmarnock, he's maybe not going to play, but he was brave enough to go out on loan and take his chance.

"He's probably propelled himself up the ladder to the degree where, if he's not going to start, he'll certainly be one of the ones, when Steve Clark looks over his shoulder, he's not there just filling up the numbers now."

Thomson pondered whether Curtis might not add to his six starts so far for Rangers after he returns from the United States.

"Obviously I want to see him do really well for Rangers - and he certainly wouldn't be moving unless it was for big bucks - but if he has a good World Cup, it wouldn't surprise me if the big clubs start circling," he added.

"He's a breath of fresh air. I think sometimes a lot of young players, when they're at the big clubs, get a bit of comfort in staying there, but Finn's been brave enough to go and play.

"An unbelievable kid to work with, a coach's dream. And he's now reaping the rewards of that."

Image source, SNS

Starting Lawrence Shankland at this summer's World Cup gives Scotland their "biggest chance of coming back with zero regrets", says former striker Rory Loy.

The Rangers forward started and scored twice with two clinical finishes in Saturday's 4-1 friendly victory over 10-man Curacao.

That performance has intensified the clamour for the former Hearts captain to feature in Steve Clarke's starting line-up in the US.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, ex-Scotland youth international Loy said: "If Clarke goes with a front two, I think he will definitely pick Shankland.

"But if he goes with one, I think it remains open for debate whether he goes with Che Adams or Shankland.

"I personally would go with Shankland. Given it's Haiti first, I just don't think you want to leave America with any regrets.

"And starting Shankland is our biggest chance of coming back with zero regrets because he can put a half-chance away.

"That instinctive finishing in the box is something we've been crying out for as a nation for a while and Shankland's been right under our nose. I think it's his time to shine."

Former Scotland and Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson added: "It might be slim chances, so if they fall for Shankland, you will back him to put the ball in the back of the net.

"I would be surprised if, after the performance he put in on Saturday - albeit against 10 men - he hasn't put himself right in pole position to get that starting slot."

Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and several English Championship clubs have been closely monitoring Calum Adamson's progress as the 18-year-old midfielder moves into the final year of his Rangers contract, while St Mirren and Kilmarnock are keen to take him for next season's campaign. (TeamTalk), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, Getty Images

Rangers are tracking Dutch club Excelsior's Swedish centre-back Casper Widell, 23. (Glasgow Times), external

Former Rangers striker Robbie Ure is set to leave IK Sirius in Sweden after 15 appearances and 14 goal contributions, with clubs in England, France and Portugal interested in the 22-year-old. (Ben Jacobs on X), external

Image source, Getty Images

Rangers, Celtic and Aberdeen are interested in 24-year-old Gyori ETO midfielder Milan Vitalis, who has six caps for Hungary. (GOAL - in Hungarian), external

Image source, SNS

Chairman Andrew Cavenagh says "Rangers occupies 150% of my thoughts" and he has harboured no doubts about his involvement at Ibrox despite a trophyless first year.

Rangers announced a year ago on Saturday that a consortium of investors, led by American businessman Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, had purchased a majority stake in the club.

Rangers appointed Russell Martin head coach in June, sacked him in October then axed chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell the following month.

Although new boss Danny Rohl managed to resurrect Rangers' title challenge, they finished third after losing the first four of their final five games.

Cavenagh repeated last week's admission to BBC Scotland that it had been an "incredibly disappointing" season that "has left a terrible taste in everyone's mouths".

Asked whether missing out on a trophy despite spending up to £40m on players had at any time in the last year left him asking himself why he had bothered to get involved, Cavenagh replied: "No, is the answer.

"This club gets into you at the molecular level. And, once it's done, you're done. It's happened to me and a bunch of us.

"I don't ever want the use the words 'enjoy' or 'fun' because you can't have a season like we've had and use those words.

"But the challenge is something I relish and Paraag [Marathe, the fellow American who came in as part of the San Francisco 49ers Enterprise consortium last summer and who was vice-chairman for a spell] relishes with the rest of us.

"The disappointment this year is very real for us, but all it's done is provide motivation for us going forward."

Cavenagh added that tasting disappointment would "spur us on to where we want to get to" and "make success sweeter".

Cavenagh has publicly engaged with match-attending supporters at several games, latterly in the final fixture of the season at Falkirk, and has welcomed the feedback.

"My conversations with our supporters, I've really come to enjoy," he said.

"Someone told me I should get to know them on a one-by-one basis. At Falkirk, that probably wasn't the right medium to do that.

"But whether it's in the stands or the streets, we all share certain things like the ambition to win and the understanding that we're not good enough.

"The common goal is the same so there's common ground in those conversations even if there are disagreements over methods."

Image source, SNS

Former full-back Maurice Ross admits he was "terrified" of manager Dick Advocaat at Rangers.

Ross was handed his Rangers debut at age 19 by Advocaat in February 2000 and featured a further 12 times under the Dutchman before his move to a director of football role in December 2001.

Advocaat, 78, is now Curacao boss and set to be come the oldest coach in World Cup history at this summer's tournament.

Scotland face Advocaat's Curacao at Hampden on Saturday in a pre-World Cup friendly (13:00 BST) and Ross is urging Steve Clarke's side to be "careful".

"I'm looking at him now as a 45-year old man but when I was 20 and Advocaat came into the building, he was terrifying," Ross told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"For someone that isn't so tall, what a presence he has. He is an absolute winner.

"Curacao will not be going into this thinking they are going on a holiday. The standout line for me from his press conferences is 'make it as difficult as possible'.

"There will be a solid defensive structure, more so than when he was at Rangers. They will sit in and hit on the counter hoping to score from set-plays.

"He doesn't get beaten often at Hampden, my old gaffer, so we need to be careful.

"I would see him with Arthur Numan [former Rangers defender] and he'd be lovely and kind and gentle but with me, he didn't give me any time. I hadn't earned that level of relationship.

"Off the back of a result, nobody goes near him but the majority of elite leaders are like that.

"I have seen him once since he left and he couldn't have been nicer. A gentleman, a proper football man and somebody I'll be incredibly grateful to."

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has rejected reports that forward Josh Windass could exit for Rangers - and the 32-year-old is not someone the Ibrox club are pursuing. (Daily Record), external

Former Rangers managerial candidate Davide Ancelotti will be presented as Lille's new head coach on Monday but will then return to his assistant role with father Carlo for the duration of the World Cup with Brazil. (L'Equipe), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Rangers have offered Findlay Curtis a new contract as they look to secure the 19-year-old Scotland winger's long-term future after his successful loan to Kilmarnock. (Glasgow Times via Rangers Review), external

Scotland striker George Hirst says Rangers would be lucky to have transfer target Dan Neil if they can get the playmaker to Ibrox. (Daily Record), external

Bojan Miovski is planning to engineer an exit from Rangers this summer as the 26-year-old North Macedonia striker is unhappy at the prospect of being fourth choice after the arrival of Lawrence Shankland from Hearts. (Football Insider), external

Asked about reported interest from Rangers and Wolfsburg, 24-year-old Djurgarden winger Oskar Fallenius says he will only be informed by his agent if there is a concrete offer. (Daily Record), external

Rangers are advancing negotiations over a potential deal for 19-year-old centre-half Akpe Victory from Hungarian club Zalaegerszegi. (TeamTalk), external

Dundee are in no rush to sell centre-half Luke Graham, insists head coach Steven Pressley, with reports suggesting 43 clubs, including Rangers, are interested in the 22-year-old. (The Courier), external

Read Thursday's Scottish football gossip

Image source, Getty Images

Former Rangers academy director Craig Mulholland has been named the Scottish FA's new chief football officer.

The 57-year-old moves back to the governing body having served as English Premier League club Nottingham Forest's head of football development and talent management.

This will be his second spell with the SFA after starting out as a football development officer before progression to senior youth development officer more than 20 years ago.

He then joined Scottish Premiership outfit Rangers, were he spent nine years as academy director.

"I am delighted to be joining the Scottish FA at a critical time for the game in our country, which I care passionately about," Mulholland said.

"We have the World Cup to look forward to and that excitement brings the ideal opportunity to implement positive change throughout all areas of our game, building on the many strengths we have as a nation.

"I have loved my time working in the Premier League, where every day you are exposed to the world's best players and coaches.

"But, when I heard the desire and willingness from Mike [Mulraney], as president, and Ian [Maxwell], as CEO, to really implement an exciting period of growth and change here in Scotland, it was something I was excited about, delighted to accept and privileged to be asked to lead."

Chief executive Maxwell added: "We're delighted to have Craig on board. He was the outstanding candidate from a thorough process.

"This is a critical role within the Scottish FA – and Scottish football in general – so we wanted to make sure that we took our time to find the right individual who can help drive improvements across the board."