The former Rangers striker believes that Shinnie can replace Andy Halliday in the Gers’ squad in terms of versatility.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Rangers have released Halliday, who can operate as a midfielder or as a left-back.
Boyd believes that Shinnie’s ability to play as a left-back or as a central midfielder means that he would be a replacement for Halliday in the Rangers squad.
The Sky Sports pundit had added that Shinnie’s attitude is what Rangers need to stop Celtic next season.
The Hoops have won the Scottish Premiership title for the past nine seasons and will aim to make it 10 in a row in 2020-21.
Boyd wrote in The Scottish Sun: “And there’s another player I would consider, too. Someone I’ve mentioned in this column a few times down the years.
“He used to play for Aberdeen and managed to get into the Scotland set-up, which I’ve said before surprised me. That’s right, my old friend Graeme Shinnie.
“For all I doubted he was good enough for the international set-up — which I stand by — he knows Scottish football inside out and is someone who gives everything whenever he steps out on to the pitch.
“With Halliday gone he’s versatile enough to play in different roles. I may have given him a hard time down the years, but I still admire his attitude.
“It’s the kind Rangers will need in the next 12 months if they’re to finally stop Celtic winning title after title.”
Stats
Shinnie did well during his time in Scotland, as he starred first for Inverness Caledonian Thistle and then for Aberdeen.
The Scotland international moved to Derby in the Championship in England in the summer of 2019 on a free transfer.
According to WhoScored, the 28-year-old has made 10 starts and four substitute appearances in the Championship for the Rams so far this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist in the process.
Shinnie has also played twice in the FA Cup and twice in the EFL Cup for the Rams so far this campaign, according to WhoScored.
Football in England is suspended at the moment due to the global health crisis.
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