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 the manager made the move to Glasgow during the summer transfer window. Taking over from James Tavernier, who departed the club, Shankland said: "Obviously, it’s a massive privilege for me to be named captain of this football club. I’ve been a lifelong supporter, so simply being here was a dream come true, but to be handed the captain’s armband is an even bigger honour." He added that McInnes had informed him of the decision just an hour earlier.
"When I was at Hearts I was captain, and the only way I ever learned to conduct myself on and off the pitch was to think like a captain and try to lead the group," Shankland explained. "It wasn’t something I’d spent a lot of time pondering, but I always tried to set a good example in training and to do things the right way around the club." The striker noted that leadership is not a solitary effort. "We have brought in a number of experienced players – Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey and others who have been at big clubs and have captained sides before.
It’s about all of us setting the standard together," he said. "For the past 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 embraced it." Shankland also recognised the pressure that comes with the role. "There will be scrutiny when things go wrong and people will look to the captain to answer for the squad.
That’s part of the job, but the rewards of being a successful captain at a club of Rangers’ stature far outweigh the negatives," he said. "I’m really looking forward to the challenge." Manager Derek McInnes had experimented with the armband during pre‑season, handing it to several squad members such as Ross McCrorie, Neil, Godfrey and Dujon Sterling. He explained his final decision ahead of his first competitive match as Rangers manager – a game against Dundee United that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. McInnes said: "When you join a club and need to pick a captain, you’re always aware of the legacy left by those who have gone before.
James Tavernier served the club for a long time and did a great job, so his departure was bound to raise questions. I wanted to take my time, look through the whole squad and assess everyone before making a call." He continued: "The advantage Lawrence has is that I’ve already seen how 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 dressing‑room is still relatively young, and his deep connection to the club as a Glasgow‑born supporter who knows what is expected of him, of me and of the team this season. I also have a strong personal relationship with him, which always helps." The announcement comes as Rangers prepare for a busy fixture list.
Upcoming matches include a home game against Hibernian at 4 pm, an away clash with Aberdeen at 3 pm, a Scottish Cup tie against Falkirk at 7.45 pm, a home fixture versus Motherwell at 3 pm, and a high‑profile derby against Celtic at noon, which will also be shown live on Sky Sports. Fans can view the full schedule of Rangers’ Premiership fixtures by following the club’s official channels. Beyond the on‑field responsibilities, Shankland highlighted the broader impact of his captaincy on the community and younger players. "Being captain isn’t just about wearing a badge; it’s about being a role model for the next generation, showing them how to work hard, stay disciplined and respect the badge.
I want to use my position to inspire kids who dream of wearing the Rangers shirt one day." He also touched on the importance of mental health and squad cohesion. "In modern football, the captain must look after the well‑being of teammates, ensuring they have the support they need, whether it’s dealing with form slumps or personal issues. A united locker room translates to better performances on the pitch." With his extensive experience, both as a player and a leader, Shankland feels ready to guide Rangers through the challenges of the Scottish Premiership and European competition.
"We have a talented group, a great manager, and a passionate fan base. My job is to help bring everyone together, keep the standards high and push for success on every front," he concluded. Rangers supporters can look forward to seeing Shankland lead the side in upcoming matches, including the much‑anticipated derby against Celtic, and can also engage with the club’s digital platforms for live streams, ticket information and promotional offers such as the Super 6 competition, where participants have a chance to win £250,000 at no cost.