Source: FOOTYMAD
The Shankland Redemption
Not everybody falls over themselves to play in England. Teenager Mark Shankland has decided to stay and continue his development with Ayr United. He has turned down the chance to move to an English Premier League club or one of the Old Firm to remain. The very young academy striker has agreed a two-year professional contract after making the breakthrough to the senior squad last season. According to the club, the youngster had been targeted by top-flight English clubs and Rangers and Celtic but opted to remain at Somerset Park. Ayr United chairman Lachlan Cameron said: "Mark has a bright future ahead of him and we believe that to leave to play in England or the Old Firm at this stage of his career would be the wrong move for him or any of our youngsters. It shows to all at the academy and club that what we are doing is working, when a player of Mark's ability and potential chooses Ayr to continue his development, over the relentless pursuit of the biggest clubs in Scotland."
