An Interesting Question Looms In The Rangers Attack: Should McInnes Change His Approach Here?

An Interesting Question Looms In The Rangers Attack: Should McInnes Change His Approach Here? Rangers have suffered another setback in attack, with Lawrence Shankland expected to remain unavailable until 2027 despite encouraging progress in his hamstring recovery. According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider , the 31-year-old striker continues to recover well, although Rangers still expect him to return in the new year. His absence creates another selection headache for Derek McInnes, who already lost Youssef Chermiti to a serious knee injury. Shankland suffered a grade 2c hamstring tear during Rangers’ Premiership victory against Motherwell on 5 September. The Scotland international left the pitch after just eight minutes, with initial assessments suggesting a 12-week absence. However, the latest information points towards a longer recovery period. That represents a considerable setback for a striker who made an encouraging start following his arrival from Hearts. He scored three goals in his first five Premiership appearances for Rangers , quickly establishing himself as an important attacking option under McInnes. His movement, ability to hold up possession and instincts inside the penalty area have given the manager qualities that other forwards cannot automatically reproduce. Rangers face Shankland absence as attacking options emerge Speaking on Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, O’Rourke explained that Shankland’s injury came at an especially difficult time, with Chermiti already unavailable. The reporter indicated that Chermiti could miss the remainder of the campaign, making Rangers’ attacking situation increasingly difficult. Consequently, McInnes must distribute the goals among his available forwards rather than depend on one regular starter. Ryan Naderi, Kevin Kelsy and Bojan Miovski provide different options. Kelsy arrived for £9 million on deadline day and needs regular opportunities to establish himself in Scottish football. Meanwhile, Naderi demonstrated his finishing ability with his winning goal against Motherwell. Miovski has struggled for consistent minutes, but Rangers still need him ready whenever the manager calls upon him. Should McInnes rebuild Rangers’ attack around Kelsy and Naderi? GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 20: Lawrence Shankland of Rangers warms up prior to the UEFA Conference League 2026/27 Play Off Round First Leg match between Rangers and Jablonec at Ibrox Stadium on August 20, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) McInnes should avoid treating Kelsy or Naderi as direct replacements for Shankland because neither offers exactly the same qualities. I’d favour a flexible attacking structure. Kelsy needs minutes to settle, while Naderi deserves opportunities after delivering an important winner. However, playing one striker without sufficient support could leave Rangers predictable against organised defences, the ones Rangers usually face in Scotland week in week out. A mobile forward supported by midfield runners would create different attacking angles. Alternatively, McInnes could use a front two when opposition teams defend deep. Miovski must remain involved because another injury would leave the squad seriously short of options. Rangers should assess their winter recruitment needs before committing money to another striker. Above all, McInnes must resist rushing Shankland back. A cautious January return makes more sense than risking another setback for a player whose goals could prove crucial. Rangers need attacking flexibility now, rather than expecting one returning striker to solve every problem.