Building the Backbone: Why Rangers are betting on a Scottish core to reclaim glory

Former defender Richard Foster asserts that the arrival of Lawrence Shankland at Ibrox could be the catalyst for a much-needed cultural reset.

The intensity of Glasgow football is rarely for the faint-hearted, a reality that incoming players often underestimate until they step onto the turf at Ibrox. As Rangers look to overhaul their squad, the focus has shifted toward building a homegrown identity. Richard Foster, the former defender who understands the weight of the blue jersey, believes the club’s strategic pivot toward a Scottish core is not just a preference, but a necessity for long-term success.

At the heart of this transition is Lawrence Shankland. Having arrived from Hearts, the striker is being hailed by Foster as the "best goalscorer in the league." The expectation is that Shankland will thrive under the increased service provided at his new club. Foster suggests that if the striker maintains his current trajectory, a 20-goal season is a realistic target. Beyond the statistics, Shankland’s pedigree as a captain at his previous club brings a leadership quality that Rangers have arguably lacked in recent campaigns.

The importance of a Scottish identity

For Foster, the logic behind the recruitment drive is simple: players who have grown up in the local game instinctively grasp the unique pressures of the Scottish Premiership. He notes that the most formidable Rangers and Celtic sides he faced were defined by a strong, domestic spine—a group that understood that a draw is never an acceptable outcome.

When a team relies too heavily on players from outside the domestic system, Foster argues, the specific "Scottish mentality" can often be diluted. He describes the local game as uniquely intense, where the fans’ lives are inextricably linked to the results. "Rangers didn’t have a lot of Scottish players," Foster said, highlighting that the club’s recent struggles have been partially rooted in a lack of this inherent, gritty understanding of the local landscape.

The bigger picture

The broader strategy appears to be a deliberate attempt to close the gap on their city rivals. By targeting domestic talent—with links to players like Dundee’s Luke Graham and Motherwell’s Elliot Watt—the club is clearly looking to restore a balance between international flair and reliable, homegrown steel.

Why it matters: This isn’t just about football tactics; it’s about institutional stability. In high-pressure environments, technical ability is often secondary to a player’s psychological resilience. By fostering a core group that understands the cultural demands of Ibrox, the management is attempting to insulate the squad from the volatility that often accompanies a trophy-less season. If this "Scottish backbone" holds, it could provide the defensive and mental fortitude required to mount a genuine title challenge.