Giant blow for Hearts opens the door for Rangers in title race | OneFootball

Hearts have been dealt a hammer blow. Their talisman and captain Lawrence Shankland faces up to two months out. With a hamstring injury ruling him out until at least March, this is massive news for the Premiership race. Rangers must now seize this opportunity as Rangers face Hearts in less than a month.

This injury flips the balance. Hearts lose their top scorer, leader and the man who makes them tick. Rangers, meanwhile, have no excuse. They must go for the jugular. The upcoming clash with Hearts now carries even more weight. The league can tilt on this game.

No Shankland means no fear

Lawrence Shankland has been electric. He scores goals from nothing. He leads from the front. However, without him, Hearts become toothless. Rangers know this. They must not show mercy.

Celtic will also smell blood and face Hearts before Rangers do. That gives them a small edge. But with Shankland out, Rangers defenders can focus on structure. Hearts will look to Stephen Humphrys, but he lacks Shankland’s danger.

Moreover, Hearts lose more than just goals. Shankland holds the ball up. He links midfield to attack. He turns half chances into goals. Without him, the Jambos become average.

Ibrox men must punish weakened Hearts

Danny Rohl has built structure and intensity. Now he must show killer instinct. Rangers must hit Hearts hard. The timing is perfect. The fixture list shows Hearts come to Ibrox on February 14. Rangers must not let them leave with anything.

The league table is tight. Every point matters. However, momentum matters even more. A win over Hearts next month without Shankland sends a message. It puts bigger pressure on Celtic to get 3 points v Hearts this weekend. It also reasserts Rangers as title favourites.

Furthermore, Rangers must learn from the past. Too often they have let rivals off the hook. This cannot happen again. With Shankland out, Hearts will struggle for goals. Rangers must take advantage.

Title tilt depends on ruthlessness

Rangers need consistency. That starts with beating rivals when they are vulnerable. This is the perfect storm. Hearts are top but lose their key man. Rangers are behind but have a full-strength squad. The opportunity is clear.

Importantly, Rohl must drill this into his players. They must arrive at Ibrox with fire. This cannot be another missed chance. Rangers have the tools. They must use them.

The next few weeks will define the season. Rangers face Hearts soon. The timing could not be better. Lawrence Shankland’s injury is a gift. Rangers must take it.

The title is there to be won. This moment must not pass. Rangers face Hearts without fear.