Lawrence Shankland has expressed that being appointed the captain of Rangers is a "tremendous privilege" for him. The 30‑year‑old forward, who previously wore the armband at Hearts under the guidance of Derek McInnes, now steps into the same leadership role at Ibrox after both he and McInnes made the move to the Glasgow club during the summer transfer window. Shankland succeeds James Tavernier, who relinquished the captain's armband following his departure, and he immediately shared his feelings about the honor. "Obviously, it’s a massive honour for me to be named captain of this football club," he said.
"I’ve been a lifelong supporter of Rangers. Just getting the chance to play here was a dream come true, but to be handed the captaincy is an even bigger accolade." He recalled a recent conversation with McInnes, noting that the manager had informed him of the decision just an hour earlier. "When I was at Hearts, I was captain, and the only way I learned to conduct myself on and off the pitch was by acting like a leader and setting a good example for the squad," Shankland explained. "It wasn’t something I had spent a lot of time contemplating, but I’ve always tried to lead by example in training and to do things the right way around the club." Shankland emphasized that his appointment is part of a broader strategy that involves several experienced signings.
"We’ve brought in a number of seasoned professionals – Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey and others who have spent time at big clubs and have captained sides before. It’s about all of us leading together," he added. "For the past two and a half years, I have been accustomed to wearing the captain’s armband, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed the responsibility." He also acknowledged the inevitable scrutiny that comes with the role, especially when results dip.
"When things get tough, people look to the captain to answer for the squad. That’s a weight I’m prepared to bear, but the rewards of being a successful captain at a club of Rangers' stature far outweigh any pressure," Shankland said.
"I’m really looking forward to embracing that challenge." Manager Derek McInnes had experimented with the armband during pre‑season, rotating it among players such as Ross McCrorie, Neil, Godfrey and Dujon Sterling. Ahead of his first competitive match in charge – a fixture against Dundee United on a Friday night broadcast live on Sky Sports – McInnes explained why he ultimately settled on Shankland. "When you join a club and need to pick a captain, you’re always aware of the legacy left by those before you.
James Tavernier served the club admirably for a long period, so his name was always part of the conversation," McInnes said. "I wanted to take my time, assess the entire squad, and see who could best lead.
"Lawrence stood out because I’ve already seen how he runs a dressing room from his time captaining Hearts. His experience, the relative youth of our squad, and his deep connection to Rangers as a Glasgow native who grew up supporting the club all worked in his favour. He knows what is expected of him, of me, and of the team this season.
Plus, we have a strong personal relationship, which always helps in building trust." The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Rangers, who are juggling a congested schedule that includes Scottish Premiership matches against Dundee United, Hibernian, Aberdeen, Falkirk, Motherwell and a high‑profile derby against Celtic, many of which will be televised on Sky Sports. The club hopes Shankland’s leadership will galvanise the squad as they chase domestic silverware and aim to make an impact in European competitions.
Beyond the on‑field responsibilities, Shankland’s role will also involve representing Rangers in community initiatives, media engagements and fan events. His lifelong allegiance to the club positions him uniquely to bridge the gap between the playing staff and the passionate supporter base that fills Ibrox Stadium each week. In addition to his captaincy duties, Shankland will continue to focus on his primary role as a striker, contributing goals and assists. His previous season at Hearts demonstrated a keen eye for goal, and Rangers fans will be eager to see him replicate that form in the Scottish Premiership.
The combination of leadership and attacking prowess could make him one of the most influential figures in the club’s current era. Overall, Lawrence Shankland’s elevation to the captain’s armband symbolizes both continuity and renewal for Rangers. It acknowledges his proven leadership at Hearts while also embracing his personal connection to the club. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Shankland to see how he balances the weight of tradition with the demands of modern football, guiding Rangers toward success on and off the pitch.