LAWRENCE SHANKLAND says he was delighted to net his first Rangers goals from open play in the 2-1 win over Falkirk.
The Ibrox captain notched a deadly double after scoring his first league goal of the campaign in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Aberdeen from the penalty spot.
Shankland’s opener was cancelled out by an own goal from Kosta Nedeljkovic before half-time.
But the skipper hit the winner with a cool finish to secure another three points for Derek McInnes’ men.
Shankland reckons he could have made it a hat-trick, but he was more concerned about grabbing the victory.
Speaking to Rangers TV, he said: “It is nice to score two goals. You want to get off the mark as quickly as possible, so I am delighted with the two finishes.
“I might need to work on my right foot, but the left one is working fine the now.
“We are delighted to follow up the weekend with another good result.
“It was another tough test and we had to battle away as Falkirk can work the ball pretty well, but we dug in and on the flipside we were a threat going forward.
“At times in the first half we could have taken more care and created more chances and that was a frustration going in 1-1 at half-time.
“We came out in the second half and my first chance I put it by the post but that’s part of football and thankfully the other chance I put it away.”
Rangers had to battle for the victory once again and Shankland feels the last two performances have shown grit and determination.
After Shankland missed a chance in the second half, goalkeeper Ivor Pandur made a superb stop to keep the score at 1-1 before the captain’s winner.
He believes relationships are blossoming and that togetherness is bringing out the best on the squad.
He added: “It is never a bad idea to score early and it gives you that momentum to go forward.
“I was delighted to see it hit the net. We started well but at times we sat in and did the dirty side and we are pleased with the three points.
“We need that togetherness and character and of course there will be scary moments on the pitch.
“Manny Fernandez makes a wee error after I miss my chance, but we need to stick together in those moments.
“Ivor has come up with a great save to help out a team-mate and get him out of the situation. I like that togetherness and that is a good sign.
“We are building relationships on and off the park and winning brings confidence.
“It isn’t easy to play here when things are difficult, but that’s when you need a good changing room and everyone sticking together.
“You have to show that character and belief in each other, not just yourself.
“In the last few games, people are playing more like themselves and we will look to continue to do that and get wins along the way.”
MYGERS: From priority access and behind-the-scenes opportunities to special events and unique moments, MyGers brings you closer to the action on and off the pitch
RANGERS MUSEUM AND STADIUM TOURS: Experience the magic of Ibrox Stadium, with your very own ‘access all areas’ pass