Lawrence Shankland has expressed that being appointed the captain of Rangers is a "tremendous privilege" for him. The 30‑year‑old forward, who previously captained Hearts under the guidance of Derek McInnes, will now assume the same leadership responsibilities at Ibrox after both he and McInnes made the move to the Scottish giants over the summer. Shankland steps into the armband after James Tavernier’s departure, and he was quick to convey his feelings: "Obviously, it’s a massive honour for me to be named captain of this football club.
I’ve been a lifelong supporter, and simply being here was a dream, but to be handed the captain’s role is an even greater privilege." He recalled how McInnes had broken the news to him just an hour earlier. "When I was at Hearts, I wore the captain’s badge and the way I learned to conduct myself – both on and off the pitch – was through that leadership role. It never really crossed my mind as something I’d have to think about again, but I’ve always tried to set a good example in training and to do things the right way around the club." Shankland emphasized that his personal commitment is only part of a broader collective effort. "It isn’t just about me.
We have brought in a number of seasoned professionals – Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey and others – who have been at big clubs and have captained sides before. The whole squad needs to lead by example. For the last two and a half years, being a captain has been a constant in my career, and I have genuinely enjoyed the responsibility." He acknowledged the inevitable scrutiny that comes with the role.
"When things get tough, the captain is the one people look to for answers. That pressure is something I’ll have to manage, but the rewards of succeeding as captain at a club of Rangers’ stature far outweigh any challenges.
I’m genuinely excited about the task ahead." Manager Derek McInnes explained his decision‑making 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 said: "When you join a club and have to pick a captain, you’re always aware of the legacy left by those who came before. James Tavernier served the club admirably for a long time, so his name was inevitably part of the conversation. I’ve been asked about this a lot since taking the job." He continued, "I wanted to take a careful look at the entire squad before making a final call.
The advantage Lawrence had is that I’ve already seen how he runs a dressing‑room, given his experience captaining Hearts for several seasons. We considered many factors, but several points worked in his favour – his experience, the fact that our dressing‑room is still relatively young, and his deep connection to the club as a Glasgow native who has supported Rangers all his life. He knows what is expected of him, of me, and of the team this season.
Moreover, I have a strong personal relationship with him, which always helps." Shankland’s appointment also reflects a broader strategy at Rangers to blend youthful energy with seasoned guidance. The club has recently signed a number of players with extensive experience in top‑flight football, aiming to create a balanced squad capable of competing on multiple fronts – the Scottish Premiership, domestic cups, and European competitions. By entrusting the captaincy to a player who has already demonstrated leadership qualities both on the field and in the locker room, Rangers hope to foster a cohesive environment where accountability and ambition are shared among all members. The new captain’s responsibilities will extend beyond the pitch.
He will be expected to liaise with the coaching staff, represent the team in media engagements, and act as a conduit between the players and the club hierarchy. In modern football, the captain’s role often includes mentoring younger teammates, helping them adapt to the professional demands of the sport, and maintaining morale during periods of adversity such as injuries or a dip in form.
Fans have reacted positively to the news, with many expressing excitement on social media platforms. Long‑time supporters highlighted Shankland’s dedication to the club and his genuine passion for Rangers, noting that his personal connection to the team adds an authentic touch to his leadership. Some commentators have also pointed out that his experience in the Scottish Premiership, coupled with his proven goal‑scoring record, gives him a unique perspective that can inspire both attackers and defenders alike. Looking ahead, Rangers’ upcoming schedule includes a series of high‑profile fixtures.
The first competitive match under McInnes will be against Dundee United on Friday night, streamed live on Sky Sports. Following that, the club faces Hibernian at home, then travels to Aberdeen, and later hosts Falkirk and Motherwell in cup competitions. The most anticipated encounter will be the Old Firm clash against Celtic, slated for a 12 pm kickoff and also broadcast on Sky Sports. These matches will provide Shankland with immediate opportunities to demonstrate his leadership on the biggest stages.
In summary, Lawrence Shankland’s elevation to Rangers captaincy is being hailed as a significant milestone in his career and a strategic move by the club’s management. His prior experience as a captain at Hearts, his lifelong allegiance to Rangers, and his rapport with both the manager and the squad have all contributed to this decision. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on Shankland to see how he navigates the pressures of leading one of Scotland’s most storied clubs, how he galvanises his teammates, and how he balances the weight of expectation with the joy of wearing the famous blue jersey.