Derek McInnes has publicly praised Lawrence Shankland, describing the Scotland forward as an outstanding captain who will wield a significant influence at Rangers regardless of whether he is named in the starting eleven. The manager’s remarks underscore the respect he holds for Shankland’s leadership qualities and his belief that the striker’s impact will be felt both on and off the pitch. Shankland first wore the captain’s armband under McInnes at Hearts, where the two forged a strong working relationship. When McInnes took the helm at Ibrox during the summer transfer window, he brought Shankland along, appointing him to the same leadership role at Rangers.
The continuity of that partnership was intended to provide a seamless transition for the new manager and to embed a familiar voice within the dressing room. However, the start to Shankland’s Rangers tenure has not been as immediate as either party might have hoped. In the recent 5-1 League Cup victory over St Mirren, Shankland was named among the substitutes and did not feature on the field.
Midfielder Nico Raskin was handed the captain’s armband for that match, illustrating that the role can be fluid and that the manager does not see the armband as an automatic guarantee of playing time. Ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play‑off against Czech side Jablonec, McInnes explained his philosophy regarding the captaincy: "I told Lawrence that being captain doesn’t guarantee a place in the lineup, and he accepted that. He isn’t going to make a fuss about it. Someone has to be the club captain, and having worked with him before, I know he’s an excellent leader and a great person.
He has a lot to offer, and sometimes people read too much into the title. I want my captain to influence the team both on and off the pitch, and I’m confident Lawrence will do that.
For me it’s a non‑question, even if others might see more to it." Shankland’s on‑field contributions have been limited so far. He made his second appearance of the season as a second‑half substitute against St Mirren, but he was unable to add to his solitary goal for the Gers – a penalty he scored against Polish side Jagiellonia in a Europa League qualifier.
Despite the modest return, McInnes remains calm and optimistic. He noted, "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’s too talented not to score regularly.
He proved that during his time at Hearts, where he consistently hit around 20 goals a season. Sometimes the media can over‑emphasise a short run of games, but my job is to let him play his natural game.
The best strikers have an instinctive side that makes everything look effortless, and I have no doubt he’ll thrive here." The manager’s confidence extends beyond Shankland’s individual abilities; it reflects a broader belief in the squad’s depth and the club’s recruitment strategy. Earlier in the day Rangers announced the signing of 20‑year‑old Serbian right‑back Kosta Nedeljković on a season‑long loan from Aston Villa, with an obligation to purchase at the end of the term.
Nedeljković becomes McInnes’ eleventh summer acquisition and will compete for the right‑back spot alongside Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie. McInnes explained the rationale behind the signing: "We identified the right‑back position as an area that needed reinforcement during pre‑season. We explored several options, and while we’ve relied heavily on Dujon in the past, his injury record forced us to look for a different type of full‑back.
I have a high opinion of Dujon, but Kosta brings a blend of enthusiasm, athleticism and the ability to cover the pitch up and down, similar to what Vanja Dragojević offers in midfield. He shows quality and a real eagerness to play the role. As a young player, he still has areas to improve, but we’re excited to help him develop." These comments illustrate McInnes’ balanced approach: he values experience and leadership while also nurturing youthful talent.
The manager’s statements about Shankland highlight a pragmatic view of captaincy – it is a position of influence, not an entitlement to a starting place. By emphasizing Shankland’s character, work ethic and footballing instincts, McInnes signals that the captain’s primary job is to set standards, motivate teammates and lead by example, whether on the bench or on the field. In the broader context of Rangers’ season, the emphasis on leadership and squad depth is crucial. The club is juggling domestic league commitments, cup competitions, and a European play‑off that could see them progress further in the Conference League.
Maintaining a strong locker‑room culture, especially with new signings and returning players, is essential for sustained performance. As the team prepares for the Jablonec tie, the focus will be on integrating Shankland’s leadership, ensuring Kosta adapts quickly to the pace of the Scottish Premiership, and giving established players like Sterling and McCrorie the confidence to perform. McInnes’ calm demeanor and clear communication suggest that, despite early setbacks, he trusts his squad to rise to the challenges ahead. Overall, McInnes’ remarks paint a picture of a manager who values the intangible qualities of a captain – influence, humility, and the ability to inspire – while also recognizing the need for tactical flexibility.
With Shankland’s experience, Nedeljković’s potential, and a supportive coaching staff, Rangers aim to navigate the upcoming fixtures with resilience and ambition.