Lawrence Shankland has expressed that being appointed the captain of Rangers is a "massive privilege" for him. The 30‑year‑old forward, who previously wore the armband at Hearts under the guidance of Derek McInnes, will now take on the same leadership duties at Ibrox after both he and McInnes made the move to the club during the summer transfer window. Shankland steps into the captaincy following the departure of James Tavernier, and he was quick to convey his feelings: "Obviously, it’s a huge honour for me to be named captain of this football club.
I’ve been a lifelong supporter, and simply being here was a dream come true, but to be handed the armband is an even greater distinction." He recalled a recent conversation with McInnes: "He just told me about an hour ago. When I was at Hearts, I was the captain, and the way I’ve learned to conduct myself on and off the pitch has always been through that lens – trying to lead the group and set a standard. It wasn’t something I’d spent a lot of time over‑thinking, but I’ve always aimed to set an example in training and to do things the right way around the club." Shankland also highlighted the depth of experience now present in the Rangers squad: "It’s not just me. 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 teams before.
The responsibility is collective; we all need to lead by example." Reflecting on his recent past, he added: "For the last two and a half years, everything I’ve known has been about being a captain. I’ve enjoyed the role and have taken the responsibility seriously.
Of course, when the team faces difficulties, the captain is the one people look to for answers. That pressure is part of the job, but the rewards of succeeding as a captain at a club of this stature far outweigh any criticism.
I’m really looking forward to embracing that challenge." Manager Derek McInnes explained that he experimented with the armband during pre‑season, handing it to several players – Ross McCrorie, Neil, Godfrey and Dujon Sterling – before settling on Shankland ahead of his first competitive match as Rangers boss against Dundee United. McInnes said: "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 time, so his exit was inevitable and the discussion about his successor was inevitable. I wanted to assess the entire squad before making a final decision." He continued: "Lawrence had an edge because I’d already seen how well he runs a dressing‑room during his time at Hearts.
His experience, the relatively young age of our squad, and the fact that he grew up in Glasgow supporting Rangers all played into my decision. He understands what is expected of him, of me, and of the team this season. Moreover, I have a strong personal rapport with him, which always helps in a leadership context." Shankland’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Rangers, who are gearing up for a packed schedule that includes fixtures against Dundee United, Hibernian, Aberdeen, Falkirk, Motherwell and a high‑profile clash with Celtic, some of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The club’s supporters, many of whom have followed Shankland’s career from his days at Hearts, are eager to see how his leadership will shape the team’s performance in the Scottish Premiership.
Beyond the on‑field responsibilities, Shankland acknowledges the broader duties of a captain: representing the club in media engagements, acting as a liaison between the manager and the players, and maintaining morale during both triumphant and challenging periods. He emphasized that his lifelong connection to Rangers gives him a unique perspective: "Being a Glasgow boy who has always backed Rangers means I know the passion of the fans and the expectations that come with wearing this shirt.
I want to honour that history and help drive the squad forward." In addition to his own words, the club has highlighted the importance of the captain’s role in fostering a positive environment. The recruitment of experienced figures such as Dan Neil and Ben Godfrey is intended to complement Shankland’s leadership, providing a blend of youthful energy and seasoned wisdom. This strategic mix aims to ensure that Rangers remain competitive on multiple fronts, including the domestic league, cup competitions, and potential European fixtures.
Fans can follow the upcoming matches via various platforms, including live streams on NOW and Sky Sports, and are encouraged to engage with the club’s official channels for the latest updates on fixtures, ticket information and promotional offers such as the Super 6 competition, which gives participants a chance to win a share of a £250,000 prize pool. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Shankland to see how he navigates the pressures of captaincy and whether he can translate his personal ambition into collective success for Rangers.