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 Hearts under the guidance of Derek McInnes, will now assume the same leadership duties at Ibrox after both he and McInnes made the move to the Scottish giants during the summer transfer window.
Shankland steps into the captaincy following the departure of James Tavernier, and he was quick to underline the significance of the honor. "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. Getting the chance to play here was already a dream, but being handed the captain’s armband takes that feeling to another level." He recalled the moment McInnes told him about the decision, noting that his experience leading Hearts had already shaped his approach to the role. "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," Shankland explained. "It hadn't been something I'd thought too much about, but I always try to set an example on the training pitch and do things properly around the place." The striker highlighted that leadership at Rangers will not be a solitary effort.
"It’s not just me. We have signed a lot of experienced players – Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey and others – who have been at big clubs and have captained sides before.
So it’s about all of us setting an example," he said. Shankland added that over the past two and a half years he has become accustomed to the responsibilities that come with being a captain, and he enjoys the challenge. "For the last two and a half years, all I've known is being captain of a club.
It’s something I've enjoyed and I take the responsibility seriously," he remarked. He also acknowledged the pressure that accompanies the role, especially when the team faces adversity. "Of course there is scrutiny when things get difficult and people look to the captain to answer for the squad.
That is 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," Shankland said. "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, Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey and Dujon Sterling.
Ahead of his first competitive match as Rangers manager – a game against Dundee United on a Friday night broadcast live on Sky Sports – 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," McInnes said. "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." He continued, "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 also have a strong relationship with him, which always helps." Shankland’s appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for Rangers, who are gearing up for a busy schedule that includes league fixtures against Dundee United, Hibernian, Aberdeen, Falkirk, Motherwell and the Old Firm clash with Celtic. The club’s supporters will be watching closely to see how the new captain influences the team’s dynamics both on and off the pitch. Beyond the immediate responsibilities, Shankland sees his captaincy as an opportunity to shape the culture of a relatively youthful squad.
He intends to draw on his own upbringing as a Rangers fan, his time leading Hearts, and the mentorship of senior players to foster a sense of unity and ambition. "I want to be the kind of captain who leads by example, who works hard in training, who supports the younger lads and holds everyone accountable," he said. "If I can help the team grow and bring trophies back to Ibrox, that will be the ultimate reward." The striker also touched on the broader expectations placed on Rangers by their fan base.
"Rangers supporters expect nothing less than success, and they love the club with a passion that runs deep. I understand that, because I grew up watching the team and dreaming of wearing this shirt. Now that I’m here, I want to give them something to be proud of," Shankland explained. As the season kicks off, the newly‑appointed captain will have to balance his own goal‑scoring duties with the added pressure of leadership.
His performance on the field, combined with his ability to motivate teammates and communicate with the coaching staff, will be closely scrutinised by both the media and the loyal Rangers faithful. In summary, Lawrence Shankland’s elevation to the captaincy marks a significant milestone in his career.
It reflects both his past experience as a leader at Hearts and his deep personal connection to Rangers. With the backing of manager Derek McInnes and a squad that includes seasoned professionals, Shankland is poised to guide the club through the challenges of the Scottish Premiership and beyond, aiming to restore the glory that Rangers supporters cherish.