Lawrence Shankland has expressed that being appointed the captain of Rangers is a "huge honour" for him. The 30‑year‑old forward, who previously wore the armband at Hearts under the guidance of Derek McInnes, now steps into the same leadership position at Ibrox after both he and McInnes joined the club during the summer transfer window.
Shankland succeeds James Tavernier, who departed the role, and he commented: "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 (McInnes) just told me about an hour ago!
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." He went on to emphasise that leadership is a collective effort: "That's not just myself. We've signed a lot of experienced players like Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey, guys who have been around big clubs and been captains.
So it's about all of us setting an example. 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." Shankland also recognised the pressure that comes with the badge.
"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," he said.
Manager Derek McInnes had experimented with the captain's armband during the pre‑season, handing it to several squad members such as 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 chose Shankland. "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. 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've also got a strong relationship with him, which always helps." Shankland's appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for Rangers. The club is juggling a congested fixture list that includes Scottish Premiership clashes, cup ties and European commitments.
Upcoming matches listed in the original release feature a home game against Hibernian at 4 pm, an away trip to Aberdeen at 3 pm, a Scottish Cup tie with Falkirk at 7.45 pm, a home showdown with Motherwell at 3 pm, and the marquee Old Firm encounter with Celtic at noon, also televised on Sky Sports. These fixtures underline the importance of steady leadership on and off the pitch. Beyond the immediate responsibilities, Shankland sees his captaincy as an opportunity to shape the club's culture. He highlighted the need for professionalism in training, consistency in performance, and a positive attitude in the dressing room.
By setting high standards for himself, he hopes to inspire younger teammates, many of whom have arrived at Ibrox seeking to make a name for themselves. His own journey—from a Glasgow‑born fan to a professional striker and now captain—offers a relatable narrative for aspiring players.
The role of a captain at a club with Rangers' history goes beyond matchday duties. It involves liaising with the manager on tactical adjustments, representing the squad in media engagements, and acting as a conduit between the coaching staff and the players.
Shankland acknowledges these duties, noting that he will need to balance the scrutiny of fans and the press with the internal demands of keeping morale high during challenging periods. Fans have responded positively to the announcement, with many praising Shankland's work ethic, humility, and commitment to the club's values.
Social media reactions have highlighted his reputation as a hard‑working forward who never shies away from responsibility. Supporters see his appointment as a sign that the club is looking to blend experience with youthful energy, fostering a team spirit that can compete on multiple fronts. In summary, Lawrence Shankland's elevation to Rangers captaincy is being framed as both a personal milestone and a strategic move by the club. His prior leadership experience at Hearts, his deep-rooted connection to Rangers as a lifelong fan, and his demonstrated professionalism make him a fitting choice to lead a squad that is both ambitious and in a phase of transition.
As the season unfolds, Shankland will be tasked with guiding the team through high‑stakes encounters, maintaining discipline, and embodying the pride and tradition that Rangers fans hold dear.