Lawrence Shankland Scotland debate has sharpened after the Rangers striker was left unused in the 1-0 World Cup defeat against Morocco.
Shankland watched on from the bench as Steve Clarke’s side failed to recover from Ismael Saibari’s early goal in Boston.
For Rangers supporters, the frustration is obvious.
Shankland arrived at Ibrox as a proven Scottish Premiership scorer and travelled to the tournament in form, but Scotland’s attack could not find a way through Morocco.
Shankland Call Now Grows Before Brazil
The immediate question is whether Clarke changes tack for Brazil in Miami.
Scotland remain alive in Group C, but the Morocco result leaves little room for another passive attacking display.
beIN Sports noted that Shankland dropped to the bench as Clarke switched to a back five, with Kieran Tierney coming into the side.
That tactical change did not bring the control Scotland needed early on.
Morocco struck inside two minutes, and Scotland spent the rest of the match chasing a way back into the game.
Shankland’s club move still gives Rangers a clear stake in the decision.
The 30-year-old is expected back in Glasgow after the tournament as a central part of Derek McInnes’ rebuild, and meaningful World Cup minutes would only sharpen him before pre-season.
ReadRangers has already covered Shankland completing his Rangers transfer, but the Brazil match now offers a fresh test.
It could show how quickly his new-club momentum can become international responsibility.
If Scotland need a more direct penalty-box threat, Clarke has a Rangers answer waiting.
