NafisaRangers have finally ended weeks of speculation over who would inherit the captain’s armband following James Tavernier’s departure, with Derek McInnes making one of the biggest decisions of his reign ahead of the new season.
Several senior figures had worn the armband during pre-season, leading to intense debate among supporters over who would be trusted to lead the Light Blues into a new era.
Now, the wait is over.
Rangers have officially confirmed Lawrence Shankland as the club’s new captain ahead of Friday night’s Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee United.
The 30-year-old striker, who joined Rangers this summer, previously captained Hearts under Derek McInnes and will now continue that leadership role at Ibrox after replacing long-serving skipper James Tavernier.
Speaking after the announcement, an emotional Shankland admitted being handed the armband by the club he has supported all his life was something he could hardly believe.
“Obviously, it’s a huge honour for me to be named captain of this football club.
“I’m a lifelong supporter. It was a dream to be here in the first place but to be captain is a huge honour.
“He (McInnes) just told me about an hour ago! 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.
“It hadn’t been something I’d thought too much about.
“But I always look to myself to set examples on the training pitch and do things properly around the place.
“That’s not just myself. We’ve signed a lot of experienced players like Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey, guys who have been around big clubs and been captains.
“So it’s about all of us setting an example.
“For the last two and a half years, all I’ve known is being captain of a club.
“It’s something I’ve enjoyed. I took the responsibility.
“Of course, there’s scrutiny when things get difficult and people look to the captain to answer up for the squad.
“That’s 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.
“So it’s something I’m really looking forward to.”
McInnes had deliberately delayed making his decision throughout pre-season, handing the captaincy to several players including Ross McCrorie, Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey and Dujon Sterling before finally settling on Shankland.
Explaining his choice, the Rangers boss revealed the striker’s proven leadership qualities, experience and deep understanding of the club ultimately made him the outstanding candidate.
“When you come into a club and have to pick a captain, you’re always mindful of the ones who have gone before.
“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.
“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’ve also got a strong relationship with him, which always helps.”
Shankland now becomes the man tasked with leading Rangers into a new chapter under McInnes as the club aims to challenge for major honours once again.
His first competitive match as Rangers captain will come on Friday evening when the Light Blues travel to Tannadice to face Dundee United in their opening Scottish Premiership fixture of the 2026/27 campaign.
For a player who grew up supporting Rangers, leading the club onto the pitch is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream—and McInnes will now hope his new captain can inspire a successful new era at Ibrox.
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