Lawrence Shankland has been appointed Rangers' new men's first-team captain ahead of the 2026/27 season, succeeding James Tavernier following the Hall of Fame full-back's departure after eight years wearing the armband.
The announcement comes just two days before Rangers begin their Scottish Premiership campaign away to Dundee United at Tannadice on Friday night, with Derek McInnes placing his trust in one of his summer signings to lead the club into a new era.
A lifelong Rangers supporter, Shankland arrived at Ibrox earlier this summer after captaining Hearts to their highest points tally of the Scottish Premiership era last season.
The Scotland international first wore the captain's armband at Tynecastle in 2022 and established himself as one of the club's key leaders, combining his leadership qualities with a prolific goalscoring record. He also featured for Scotland at the FIFA World Cup in North America this summer.
Shankland on 'huge honour' offer
Speaking after learning of the decision, Shankland admitted becoming Rangers captain fulfilled another childhood dream.
"It's a huge honour; it was a dream to be here in the first place and as a boyhood supporter, to be the captain is a huge honour,” he revealed.
"The manager only told me about an hour ago. I got a wee exclusive.
"The pressure will be there, but the potential rewards massively outweigh that."
Easy decision for Derek McInnes
McInnes revealed his decision was based as much on Shankland's influence away from the pitch as his performances on it.
Reflecting on working with the striker during their time together at Hearts, McInnes explained the reasoning behind the decision.
The manager's comments underline why the striker has been handed one of the biggest responsibilities in Scottish football despite only arriving at Ibrox this summer.
Rangers vice-captains 2026/27
During pre-season, the captaincy rotated between Ben Godfrey, Ross McCrorie, Dujon Sterling and Dan Neil. All four are expected to form part of Rangers' leadership group this season, with McCrorie, Sterling, Godfrey and Neil set to serve as vice-captains alongside fellow summer arrival Vanja Dragojevic.
Both Neil and Dragojevic also arrive at Ibrox with previous captaincy experience, having led Sunderland and Partizan Belgrade respectively before their moves to Glasgow.
Shankland's appointment signals the beginning of a new leadership chapter at Rangers following Tavernier's departure, with McInnes opting for a captain he knows well and one who has already demonstrated his ability to lead both club and country.
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