Lawrence Shankland has expressed that being appointed the new captain of Rangers is an "immense privilege" for him. The 30‑year‑old forward, who previously wore the armband at Heart of Midlothian under manager Derek McInnes, will now take on the same leadership responsibilities at Ibrox after both he and McInnes made the move to the Glasgow club during the summer transfer window. Shankland steps into the role following the departure of James Tavernier, who had served as captain for several seasons. Speaking to the press, Shankland said, "Obviously, it is a massive honour for me to be named captain of this football club.
I'm a lifelong supporter – it was a dream just to be here, let alone to lead the side on the pitch." He added that McInnes had informed him of the decision about an hour before the interview. "When I was at Hearts I was captain, and the only way I learned to conduct myself – both in training and during matches – was to think like a captain and try to be a leader within the group.
It wasn’t something I had spent a lot of time pondering, but I have always tried to set an example on the training ground and to do things properly around the club." Shankland also highlighted the depth of experience now present in the Rangers squad. "It isn’t just me," he said.
"We have signed a number of seasoned professionals such as Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey and others who have been at big clubs and have captained sides before. So the responsibility is shared – we all need to set standards for each other." He reflected on his recent past, noting that for the last two and a half years his footballing identity has been closely tied to the captaincy. "It’s something I have enjoyed and taken seriously. Of course, there is scrutiny when the team hits a rough patch and people look to the captain for answers.
That is a weight I will bear, but the rewards of being a successful captain at a club of Rangers' stature far outweigh the pressure. I am really looking forward to embracing that challenge." Manager Derek McInnes explained his thought process during the pre‑season when he rotated the armband among several players, including Ross McCrorie, Neil, Godfrey and Dujon Sterling. Ahead of his first competitive match as Rangers manager – a fixture against Dundee United broadcast live on Sky Sports – McInnes clarified why he ultimately settled on Shankland. "When you join a club and need to pick a captain, you always think about those who have gone before.
James Tavernier has served this club for a long time and done a great job, so that conversation was inevitable and has been asked of me many times since I arrived. I wanted to take the time to look through the whole squad and see how everyone was before making a final decision." He continued, "The advantage Lawrence had is that I have already seen firsthand how well he runs a dressing‑room, thanks to his experience captaining Hearts for a few years. We considered many factors, but several worked in his favour – his experience, the fact that our dressing‑room is still relatively young, and the fact that he is a Glasgow native who has supported Rangers all his life and understands what is expected of him, of me and of the team this season. I also have a strong personal relationship with him, which always helps." The announcement came as Rangers prepared for a busy fixture list.
Their upcoming matches include a home game against Hibernian at 4 pm, an away clash with Aberdeen at 3 pm, a trip to Falkirk at 7.45 pm, a home encounter with Motherwell at 3 pm, and a high‑profile derby against Celtic at noon, which will also be shown live on Sky Sports. Fans can view the full Rangers Premiership schedule by following the provided link. Beyond the on‑field duties, Shankland emphasized the broader role of a captain in modern football.
He spoke about setting professional standards in training, fostering unity in the locker room, and acting as a conduit between the manager and the players. "A captain today must be a communicator, a motivator and a role model," he said.
"When things go well, we celebrate together; when things go wrong, we need to stay calm, keep the squad focused and help the manager implement any changes." Shankland also touched on his personal connection to Rangers. Growing up in Glasgow, he spent countless hours watching the club’s historic matches and dreaming of wearing the famous blue jersey. "Being a fan of Rangers was part of my upbringing," he recalled. "Now, to be trusted with the captain’s armband feels like the culmination of a lifelong ambition.
It’s not just a badge; it’s a responsibility to the fans, the staff and the club’s legacy." The new captain also addressed the expectations of the supporters, acknowledging the passionate fan base that expects nothing less than excellence. "Our fans are incredible, and they deserve a team that fights for every point," Shankland said. "I want to give them a side that is disciplined, ambitious and never gives up, whether we are playing at home or away." As the season approaches, both Shankland and McInnes appear confident that the blend of youthful energy and seasoned leadership within the squad will drive Rangers forward. The manager’s decision to entrust the armband to a player who has already demonstrated leadership qualities, both at Hearts and in his early days at Rangers, signals a clear vision for the club’s future.
For those interested in watching the Scottish Premiership, matches are available to stream via NOW and are also broadcast live on Sky Sports. Additionally, fans can participate in the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000, with entry available for free.
Overall, Lawrence Shankland’s appointment as captain marks a significant moment for both the player and the club. It reflects a blend of personal passion, professional experience, and the trust placed in him by the manager and his teammates.
As the new season looms, all eyes will be on Shankland to see how he leads the Rangers squad through the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.