Dundee United striker Lawrence Shankland, who has been linked to Celtic over the last 12 months, is relishing the opportunity to show what he can do in the Scottish Premiership, The Scottish Sun report.
After the SPFL voted to call time on the Championship, Dundee United know they will be playing in the top-flight next season after promotion.
Shankland was a key part of their second-tier title win, scoring an exceptional 28 goals in 33 appearances for the Tannadice outfit across the campaign (Transfermarkt).
Back in January, it had been reported by The Scottish Sun that Celtic Head of Football Operation had personally scouted the player, while back in September it was said by The Daily Record that Hoops scout Tosh McKinlay watched him score a hat-trick.
The Scotland international now looks destined to play his football in Tayside next season and is looking forward to getting a chance to shine in the top-flight.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, Shankland said: “I’m delighted to be going back to that level and giving it a bash.
“When I see pictures of myself from my time at Aberdeen, I was a kid back then. I was this baby-faced guy with bad acne. I didn’t look a Premiership player.
“When I look at the bigger picture, I feel I’m ready for the Premiership now. I’m better prepared for it and I have grown up a lot since then.”
Shankland made 17 appearances for the Dons but failed to net a single time, so has a lot to prove when he comes back into the league next term.
It’ll certainly be interesting to see if he has made significant progress.
If he manages to string together impressive form in top-flight then it might just persuade a bigger club like Celtic to take a chance on his abilities, much like we did with Leigh Griffiths.
One to watch when football does eventually return.
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