Dundee United striker Lawrence Shankland has opened up on the Celtic interest and others as he stated he’s committed to where he is.
Shankland’s form this season has been incredible so far. He’s bagged a stunning 13 goals in 11 games for the Tannadice outfit. That’s after banging home 34 for Ayr United last season before his big switch to their Championship rivals.
The Daily Record reported earlier this week that Celtic and Rangers had been to scout the in-form forward. Shankland has also since been called up to the Scotland squad for the double-header vs Russia and San Marino respectively.
And, speaking to the Record, Shankland has stated that he’s committed to the three-year contract he signed at the start of the season.
“If people are watching me this season then I’m obviously doing my job. And scoring goals will always attract attention. But I have a job to do here this season. I signed for three years with United in the summer – and that’s what I’m committed to.
“If and when I do leave, I want United to be in the Premiership. That was part of my objective when I came here. The club has ambition to get back into the top flight and be established in that league. That’s why I signed the contract I did.
“So hopefully we win the Championship or get through the play-offs and be up there next season.”
Dundee United under no pressure to sell Shankland
United manager Robbie Neilson said in the same piece that they won’t be looking to do a deal until at least the end of the season. Therefore, any deal Celtic may have in mind this January can be considered off.
Neilson also wants Shankland to ease into the Premiership with United should they get promoted. And if you’re looking at it from the player’s perspective, that could be the right way to go about things.
First-team football is always better than sitting on the bench or in the stands. If Shankland signed on at Parkhead in January, he would automatically have to overcome Odsonne Edouard, Leigh Griffiths, and Vakoun Issouf Bayo. With the capabilities of all three, that’s no easy task for the United star.
It’s a big enough step up from the Championship to Premiership, nevermind from Championship to the Premiership champions. Shankland still needs to develop further before he makes that eye-watering move to Celtic.
Sure, Celtic would be risking other clubs coming in and taking a chance on him. But that’s fine. That’s the name of the game. We can’t go signing players in fear of another club taking them first. Celtic have to make sure it’s right for both the club and the player in question.
But for Shankland? He still has plenty of proving to do before he makes any Parkhead move. And judging by his comments, he has no plans on leaving Tannadice anytime soon.
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