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 Heart of Midlothian under the guidance of Derek McInnes, will now assume the same leadership role at Ibrox after both he and the manager made the move to Glasgow during the summer transfer window. Shankland steps into the captaincy following the departure of James Tavernier, and he was quick to share his feelings about the appointment. "Obviously, it is a huge honour for me to be named captain of this football club," he said.
"I have been a lifelong supporter of Rangers. Just being here was a dream come true, but to be handed the captain's armband is an even greater privilege." He recounted a recent conversation with McInnes, noting, "He told me about an hour ago.
When I was at Hearts, I was the captain, and the only way I learned to conduct myself on and off the pitch was by thinking like a leader and trying to set a positive example for the group. It hadn't been something I thought about too much until now, but I always try to lead by example in training and make sure everything is done properly around the club." Shankland also highlighted the depth of experience within the Rangers squad. "It’s not just me.
We have signed a number of seasoned professionals – Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey and others who have been at big clubs and have captained sides before. So it’s a collective effort; we all have to set the standard.
For the past two and a half years, I have been accustomed to being a captain, and I have enjoyed the responsibility that comes with it." He acknowledged the pressures that accompany the role. "Of course, there is scrutiny when things get difficult and people look to the captain to answer for the squad. That is something I will have to own, but the upside of being a successful captain at a club like Rangers far outweighs the challenges.
I am really looking forward to embracing that role." Manager Derek McInnes had experimented with the armband during pre‑season, handing it to several players including Ross McCrorie, Neil, Godfrey and Dujon Sterling. He explained his decision to appoint Shankland ahead of his first competitive match as Rangers manager, a fixture against Dundee United that aired on Sky Sports.
McInnes said, "When you join a club and have to pick a captain, you are always aware of the legacy left by those who have gone before you. James Tavernier has served this club for a long time and done so admirably, so that conversation was inevitable and has been raised many times since I took the job.
I wanted to take the time to look through the entire squad and assess everyone before making a final decision." He continued, "The advantage Lawrence has is that I have already seen first‑hand how well he runs a dressing room, given his experience captaining Hearts for several years. We had many factors to weigh, but several worked in his favour – his experience, the fact that our dressing room is still relatively young, and the fact that he grew up in Glasgow, supports Rangers and understands what is expected of him, of me and of the team this season.
I also have a strong relationship with him, which always helps." The announcement came as Rangers prepare for a busy schedule in the Scottish Premiership. Upcoming fixtures include an away game at Dundee United at 8 pm, a home clash with Hibernian at 4 pm, an away match against Aberdeen at 3 pm, a home tie with Motherwell at 3 pm, and a high‑profile derby against Celtic at noon, all of which will be broadcast on Sky Sports.
Fans can also follow the full list of Rangers' league fixtures through the club’s official channels. Beyond the on‑field responsibilities, Shankland is aware of the broader expectations placed on a Rangers captain.
He knows that supporters, media and club officials will look to him for leadership during both triumphant moments and periods of adversity. He plans to draw on his previous captaincy experience, his knowledge of the club’s culture, and the guidance of a manager who trusts his judgment.
In addition to his duties as a leader, Shankland remains focused on his primary role as a striker. He intends to continue contributing goals, creating chances and helping the team secure vital points in the league race. By combining his on‑field performance with off‑field leadership, he hopes to set a benchmark for his teammates and help Rangers compete for titles. The appointment also signals a strategic move by McInnes to blend youth with experience in the squad.
By selecting a captain who is both a native Glasgow supporter and a player with proven leadership credentials, the manager aims to foster unity, resilience and a winning mentality throughout the season. Rangers supporters have responded positively to the news, with many expressing confidence that Shankland’s passion for the club and his professional attitude will translate into success. Social media platforms have been filled with messages of encouragement, highlighting his dedication and the belief that he will lead the team to future triumphs. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Shankland to see how he balances the dual responsibilities of scoring goals and steering the locker room.
His journey from Hearts captain to Rangers leader underscores his growth as a player and a leader, and it will be fascinating to watch how his influence shapes the club’s fortunes in the coming months. For fans eager to watch the action, the Scottish Premiership can be streamed via NOW, while live coverage continues on Sky Sports. Additionally, Rangers are offering a Super 6 competition where participants can enter for free for a chance to win a £250,000 prize, adding an extra layer of excitement to the season.