Derek McInnes praised Lawrence Shankland as an outstanding captain who is set to make a substantial impact at Rangers, regardless of whether he starts every match. The Scottish forward first captained under McInnes at Heart of Midlothian and followed his former manager to Ibrox during the summer, assuming the same leadership role at the Glasgow club. Since arriving in Govan, Shankland’s start has been slower than expected.
He was not in the starting XI for the 5-1 home League Cup victory over St Mirren on Sunday, with midfielder Nico Raskin wearing the armband instead. Ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play‑off against Czech side Jablonec at Ibrox on Thursday, McInnes explained his view: "When I spoke to Lawrence, I made it clear that being captain does not guarantee any special treatment, and he understood that.
He isn’t going to be overly demanding about it. Someone has to be the club captain and, having worked with Lawrence before, I know he is a brilliant leader and a wonderful person. He brings a lot to the table, even if people sometimes read too much into the role.
I want my captain to influence both on and off the pitch, and I am convinced Lawrence will do just that. For me it’s a non‑question, although I understand why some fans might read more into it." Shankland made his second substitute appearance of the season in the second half of the match against Saints, but he was unable to add to his lone Rangers goal – a penalty he scored against Polish side Jagiellonia in the Europa League qualifier. Despite this, McInnes remained calm: "When you have a player like Lawrence, who knows how to find space in the box and finish chances, I’m not overly concerned.
He is too talented not to score on a regular basis. He has proven that consistently in the Premiership, netting around 20 goals a season at Hearts.
Sometimes the media can over‑emphasise short‑term droughts. For me it’s about letting him play his natural game.
The best strikers have an instinctive quality that makes everything look effortless. I have no doubt he will thrive here." In related news, Rangers announced the arrival of 20‑year‑old Serbian international Kosta Nedeljković on a season‑long loan from Aston Villa, with an obligation to purchase at the end of the term. The signing marks McInnes’s eleventh addition of the summer and adds competition for the right‑back slot alongside Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie. McInnes commented: "We identified that position early in pre‑season and explored several options.
The club has relied heavily on Dujon, who has struggled with injuries, so we wanted a different type of full‑back. I have a high opinion of Dujon, but Kosta brings a profile similar to midfielder Vanja Dragojević – real enthusiasm, athleticism and the ability to cover the pitch up and down. He shows good quality and a real eagerness to play the role. As a young player there are still areas to improve, but we are excited to help him develop." The manager’s confidence in both Shankland and Nedeljković reflects a broader strategy at Rangers: to blend experienced leaders with promising talent, ensuring depth across the squad for domestic and European commitments.
While Shankland’s goal‑scoring record in Scotland suggests he will eventually find his rhythm, the emphasis remains on his leadership qualities, professionalism and the influence he can exert in the dressing room. McInnes believes that a captain’s role extends beyond on‑field decisions; it includes setting standards in training, mentoring younger players, and embodying the club’s ethos.
Fans can look forward to seeing how Shankland’s presence shapes Rangers’ performances in the upcoming Conference League tie and the rest of the Scottish Premiership campaign. The manager’s remarks also underline a realistic perspective: short‑term fluctuations in form are normal, and a player of Shankland’s calibre will adapt and deliver over the long haul.
Meanwhile, the addition of Nedeljković provides tactical flexibility for McInnes, allowing him to rotate his back line without compromising quality. Overall, the messages from the dugout convey optimism: a captain who will lead by example, a young full‑back eager to prove himself, and a squad that is being carefully managed to compete on multiple fronts. The club’s supporters are encouraged to watch the upcoming matches, including the crucial Conference League play‑off, to see these plans in action.