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, will now assume the same leadership role at Ibrox after both he and McInnes made the move to the Scottish giants during the summer transfer window. Shankland steps into the captaincy after James Tavernier's departure.
In his own words, "Obviously, it’s a huge honour for me to be named captain of this football club. I’m a lifelong supporter. It was a dream to be here in the first place but to be captain is a huge honour." He added that McInnes had informed him of the decision just an hour earlier, recalling his own experience leading Hearts: "When I was at Hearts, I was captain and the only way I’ve learned to behave and in my training has been to act as a captain and try to be a leader in the group. It hadn’t been something I’d thought too much about, but I always look to myself to set examples on the training pitch and do things properly around the place." Shankland emphasized that his appointment is not solely about his personal ambition.
He highlighted the presence of seasoned professionals within the squad, such as Dan Neil and Ben Godfrey, who have previously captained or held leadership positions at larger clubs. "It’s about all of us setting an example," he said. "For the last two and a half years, all I’ve known is being captain of a club. It’s something I’ve enjoyed.
I took the responsibility." He also acknowledged the inevitable scrutiny that comes with the role, especially when the team faces adversity. "Of course, there’s scrutiny when things get difficult and people look to the captain to answer up for the squad.
That’s something I’ll need to be responsible for but the flip side is the rewards of being a successful captain at this club outweigh it by miles. So it’s something I’m really looking forward to." Manager Derek McInnes had experimented with the armband during pre‑season, handing it to several players including Ross McCrorie, Neil, Godfrey and Dujon Sterling. Ahead of his first competitive match as Rangers manager against Dundee United, McInnes explained why he settled on Shankland for the permanent role.
"When you come into a club and have to pick a captain, you’re always mindful of the ones who have gone before. James Tavernier has served this club for a long time and served it well, so that discussion was always going to be there and it’s something I’ve been asked about a lot since I took the job. I wanted to take time to look right through the squad and see how everybody was before making that call." McInnes continued, "The advantage Lawrence had is that I’ve already seen first‑hand how well he runs a dressing room, with his experience captaining Hearts for a few years. We had a lot to consider, but plenty went in his favour – his experience, the fact we’re still quite a young dressing room, and that he knows the club as a Glasgow boy who has supported Rangers and understands what’s expected of him, of me and of the team this season.
I also have a strong relationship with him, which always helps." The new captaincy comes at a busy time for Rangers, with fixtures stacked across the Scottish Premiership and cup competitions. Upcoming league matches include an away game at Dundee United on the 31st at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports, a home clash with Hibernian on the 9th at 4 p.m., an away tie with Aberdeen on the 29th at 3 p.m., a home fixture against Falkirk on the 2nd at 7.45 p.m., a home game versus Motherwell on the 5th at 3 p.m., and a marquee encounter with Celtic on the 20th at noon, also broadcast live on Sky Sports. Fans can view the full Rangers Premiership schedule through the club’s official channels.
Beyond the on‑field responsibilities, Shankland’s appointment reflects a broader strategy to blend youthful energy with seasoned leadership. Rangers have invested heavily in players with experience at top‑flight clubs, aiming to cultivate a culture of professionalism and resilience. The presence of veteran figures like Neil and Godfrey, alongside emerging talents, creates an environment where the captain can act as a conduit between the manager’s tactical vision and the squad’s execution.
Off the pitch, Shankland’s lifelong affinity for Rangers adds a personal dimension to his role. Growing up in Glasgow and cheering for the club, he brings an authentic connection that resonates with supporters. This emotional bond can enhance his credibility when motivating teammates and addressing the media, especially during high‑pressure moments such as Old Firm derbies or European fixtures. In summary, Lawrence Shankland’s elevation to Rangers captaincy is both a personal milestone and a strategic move by the club.
His previous leadership experience, combined with his deep-rooted support for Rangers, positions him as a figure capable of guiding a youthful, ambitious squad through the challenges of domestic and continental competition. 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, striving to lead Rangers back to the pinnacle of Scottish football while honoring the legacy of those who wore the captain’s armband before him.