Will 'proper captain's performance' be springboard for Shankland?

What the report says

Lawrence Shankland was the decisive figure for Rangers as they beat Falkirk 2-1 in the Scottish Premiership, with the captain scoring both goals in a composed display that helped secure back-to-back league wins. BBC Sport reported that his brace came at a time when several team-mates were unsettled in a scrappy, mistake-filled match at Falkirk.

The first goal came from his weaker left foot and went into the roof of the net, while the second, also with his left, was placed into the bottom corner when the match was finely balanced. Rangers boss Derek McInnes, who followed Shankland from Hearts in the summer, said the striker showed calm and experience and described it as a captain’s performance. Falkirk manager John McGlynn also acknowledged Shankland’s influence, saying his presence in Rangers’ shirt made the difference.

The result mattered because Rangers had made a slow start under McInnes, dropping points in their opening league games and exiting Europe earlier in the season. Shankland, who joined Rangers after a prolific spell at Hearts, now has three goals in four Premiership appearances this term, suggesting he may be settling into his new role at Ibrox.

BBC Sport also noted the return of midfielder Nicolas Raskin, whose future had been the subject of transfer interest, while Rangers continued a busy summer rebuild with further squad changes around the transfer deadline.