Lawrence Shankland has expressed that being handed the captain’s armband at Rangers is a "tremendous privilege" for him. The 30‑year‑old forward, who previously captained Hearts under the guidance of Derek McInnes, steps into the same leadership role at Ibrox after both he and McInnes made the move to the Scottish giants over the summer. Shankland succeeds James Tavernier, who departs the role, and he immediately underscored the significance of the honour. "Obviously, it’s a massive honour for me to be named captain of this football club," he said.
"I’ve been a lifelong supporter. Getting here was a dream in itself, but being handed the captaincy is an even bigger privilege." He recounted the moment McInnes informed him of the decision, noting that his experience at Hearts had already shaped his approach to leadership.
"When I was at Hearts I was captain, and the only way I learned to conduct myself – both on the training ground and off it – was to think like a captain and try to be a leader within the squad," Shankland explained. "It wasn’t something I’d given a lot of thought about, but I’ve always tried to set a good example in training and to do things the right way around the club." The new captain also highlighted the depth of experience now present in the Rangers dressing room.
"We’ve signed a number of seasoned professionals – Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey and others who have been at big clubs and have captained sides before. It’s about all of us setting a standard together," he added.
"For the last two and a half years, the only thing I’ve known is being captain of a club. I’ve enjoyed the responsibility and I’ve taken it seriously." Shankland was realistic about the challenges that come with the armband. "There will be scrutiny when things go wrong and people will look to the captain to answer for the squad. That’s a weight I’ll have to carry, but the rewards of leading a club of this stature far outweigh any pressure," he said.
"I’m really looking forward to embracing that role." Manager Derek McInnes had experimented with the captaincy during pre‑season, handing the band to 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 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 who came before you. James Tavernier has served Rangers for a long time and done the job well, so that conversation was inevitable and I’ve been asked about it a lot since taking the job," McInnes said.
"I wanted to take my time, look through the whole squad and assess everyone before making a final call." He went on to praise Shankland’s suitability: "The advantage Lawrence had is that I’ve already seen first‑hand how well he runs a dressing‑room, having captained Hearts for a few years. We considered many factors, but several points worked in his favour – his experience, the fact that our squad is still relatively young, and his background as a Glasgow boy who has supported 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 appointment comes at a busy time in the Scottish Premiership calendar. Rangers’ upcoming fixtures include a home clash against Hibernian at 4 pm, an away game at Aberdeen at 3 pm, a trip to Falkirk at 7.45 pm, a home match versus Motherwell at 3 pm, and a high‑profile derby against Celtic on a Saturday at noon, which will also be shown live on Sky Sports. Fans can follow the full schedule by clicking the link to Rangers’ Premiership fixtures. Beyond the on‑field responsibilities, Shankland’s new role also places him at the centre of the club’s community and media engagements.
As captain, he will be expected to represent Rangers at charity events, press conferences and sponsor functions, acting as the public face of the team. His personal connection to the club – growing up in Glasgow and cheering Rangers from a young age – should make those duties feel natural rather than purely professional obligations. In addition to the traditional duties, modern captains often play a part in tactical discussions, providing feedback from the players’ perspective and helping to bridge the gap between the manager’s plans and the squad’s execution. Shankland’s experience in the Scottish Premiership, combined with his time under McInnes at Hearts, positions him well to fulfil that intermediary role.
The Rangers fan base, known for its passionate support, has already begun to voice its approval of the decision. Social media threads are filled with messages praising Shankland’s leadership qualities and his deep-rooted affinity for the club. Many supporters see his appointment as a signal that the club is looking to blend youthful energy with seasoned professionalism, aiming for sustained success both domestically and in European competitions. While the captaincy brings added pressure, Shankland appears ready to embrace the challenge.
"Of course there will be tough moments, but the satisfaction of leading this historic club, of lifting trophies and inspiring the next generation of Rangers fans, is what drives me," he concluded. "I’m excited for what lies ahead and eager to give everything for the badge." Rangers supporters can also look forward to a range of entertainment options surrounding the matches. The Scottish Premiership is available for streaming on NOW, and live games are broadcast on Sky Sports.
For those looking for extra excitement, the club’s Super 6 competition offers a chance to win a share of a £250,000 prize pool, with free entry available through the club’s official channels.