Lawrence Shankland has expressed that being handed the captain’s armband at Rangers is a "massive privilege" for him. The 30‑year‑old forward, who previously captained Heart of Midlothian under the guidance of Derek McInnes, will now assume the same leadership duties at Ibrox after both he and McInnes made the switch to the Glasgow club during the summer transfer window.
Shankland steps into the role vacated by James Tavernier, who departed the club, and he was quick to convey his feelings: "Obviously, it’s a huge honour for me to be named captain of this football club. I’ve been a lifelong supporter, so just being here was a dream, but to wear the armband is an even greater honour." He added that McInnes had informed him of the decision only an hour before the interview, noting, "When I was at Hearts I was captain, and the only way I learned to behave and train was to act like a leader. It wasn’t something I thought about a lot, but I always tried to set a good example on the training pitch and do things properly around the club." Shankland emphasised that leadership is a collective effort. "It’s not just me.
We have signed a number 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 a standard," he said. He reflected on his recent years, "For the last two and a half years, all I’ve known is being captain of a club. It’s something I enjoy and I take the responsibility seriously." He also acknowledged the inevitable scrutiny that comes with the position.
"When things get tough, people look to the captain to answer for the squad. That’s a weight I’ll have to carry, but the rewards of being a successful captain at Rangers far outweigh any pressure," Shankland explained, concluding, "I’m really looking forward to it." Manager Derek McInnes had been experimenting with the armband during pre‑season, handing it to several squad members such as 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 clarified why he settled on Shankland for the permanent role. "When you join a club and have to pick a captain, you’re always aware of the legacy left by those before you.
James Tavernier served this club for a long time and did a great job, so that conversation was inevitable and has been asked about a lot since I arrived," McInnes said. "I wanted to take my time, look through the whole squad and see who best fits the role before making a decision." He continued, "The advantage Lawrence had is that I’ve already seen first‑hand how well he runs a dressing‑room, given his experience captaining Hearts for several seasons. We weighed many factors – his experience, the fact that our squad is still relatively young, and the fact that he’s a Glasgow boy who has supported Rangers all his life 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 comes at a time when Rangers are gearing up for a busy fixture list.
Upcoming matches include a home clash with Hibernian at 4 pm, an away game at Aberdeen at 3 pm, a trip to Falkirk at 7.45 pm, a home fixture against Motherwell at 3 pm, and a high‑profile encounter with Celtic on a Saturday at noon, all of which will be televised on Sky Sports. Fans can also view the full Rangers Premiership schedule by following the club’s official channels.
Beyond the on‑field responsibilities, Shankland is aware that the captaincy carries off‑field duties such as community engagement, representing the club at official events, and serving as a liaison between the playing staff and the management. His deep personal connection to Rangers – having grown up supporting the club – is expected to resonate with supporters and add an extra layer of authenticity to his leadership.
In addition to his footballing duties, Shankland has hinted at using his platform to promote charitable initiatives and youth development programs in Glasgow, echoing the club’s long‑standing commitment to giving back to the local community. He believes that a captain’s influence extends beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch and can inspire younger fans to pursue their own sporting ambitions.
The appointment also underscores McInnes’s broader strategy of building a cohesive, youthful squad anchored by experienced leaders. By blending seasoned professionals like Dan Neil and Ben Godfrey with emerging talents, the manager aims to create a balanced team capable of challenging for domestic honours while fostering a culture of accountability and mutual respect. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Shankland to see how he navigates the dual pressures of personal performance and team leadership. His previous experience at Hearts suggests he possesses the temperament needed for the role, but the heightened expectations at Rangers – a club with a storied history and a massive fanbase – will test his resolve.
Supporters can follow live coverage of the Scottish Premiership through NOW, Sky Sports, or other streaming platforms. For those interested in a bit of extra excitement, Rangers are also promoting the Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win £250,000 in a free‑entry draw.
In summary, Lawrence Shankland’s elevation to Rangers captaincy is being hailed as a significant personal milestone, a strategic move by Derek McInnes, and a signal of continuity and ambition for a club eager to maintain its dominance in Scottish football.