Shankland sure lots of games to come by return

Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland aims to be back playing "well before" the season run-in.

The striker has sat out Rangers' past three games after tearing his hamstring, an injury that has required surgery.

"I'm getting there, slowly," the 31-year-old said. "Things are looking good. I was back down to see the specialist to get a bit of feedback and things are going in the right direction.

"The hamstring's healing well after the surgery. It's hard to put a timeline on it. You just need to see how it feels around that three-month, four-month mark. Hopefully, as quick as possible.

"I'll be back well before the end [of the season]. For this hopefully, I'll be back in January time or whenever I'm back and there'll be a lot of football still to be played."

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Shankland was "comfortable" getting surgery when presented with the option, as it was the best course of action and his absence has been made easier by watching his team-mates extend their winning run to six in all competitions.

"It's difficult at times," he said. "You're slogging away in the gym, you see the boys go out to training. Nobody wants to be inside but it's part and parcel of the game.

"This is my first surgery as a player and I'm 31. I've been really lucky on that side and it's a wee spell on the side but I'll get through it. I'm not the first player and I'll not be the last player to pick up an injury.

"It's hard watching games. You obviously want to be out there. It makes it a whole lot easier when the boys are winning them so I'd much rather that than losing them.

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