Lawrence Shankland has described being named Rangers captain as a "huge honour" after Derek McInnes revealed the qualities that made the striker his first choice to succeed James Tavernier.
The Scotland international was confirmed as Rangers' new skipper ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with McInnes trusting a player he previously worked with at Hearts to lead his new-look squad as he did during the former Ibrox midfielder's time in charge of the Tynecastle outfit.
Shankland admitted becoming Rangers captain fulfils another lifelong ambition after already realising his dream of signing for the club this summer.
"It's obviously a huge honour for myself to be named captain of this football club," Shankland said.
"As a lifelong supporter, it was a dream to be here in the first place, but to get the opportunity to captain the club is a huge honour."
Shankland learned of Rangers captaincy just an hour before announcement
The 30-year-old revealed McInnes only informed him of the decision around an hour before speaking to the media, insisting he had simply tried to lead by example since arriving at Ibrox.
"He just told me about an hour ago, to be honest, so I got a wee bit of an exclusive before yourselves," he joked.
"When I was at Hearts, I was captain. Since I've come here, the only way I've learned to behave around the place and in my training is to act like a captain and try to be a leader in the group.
"It wasn't something I thought about too much if I'm being honest. I was delighted to be here in the first place, but I always look to set examples on the training pitch and do things properly around the place."
Shankland also highlighted the experienced figures McInnes has added to the squad this summer, believing Rangers already possess plenty of leaders.
"We've signed a lot of players into this group this season. Dan Neil, Ben Godfrey, experienced players who have been captains at clubs.
"It's about always setting the example. In terms of my behaviours around the club, they've just been what I expect from myself."
McInnes points to Hearts evidence and Rangers connection
McInnes explained he assessed the leadership qualities throughout his squad before making the final decision but said Shankland's record as Hearts captain gave him a significant advantage.
"When you're going to a club and you've got to pick a captain, obviously James Tavernier has served the club for a long period and served it well," McInnes said.
"I just really wanted to look throughout the squad and how everybody was.
"The benefit Lawrence had was the fact that I've got evidence of how well he runs a dressing room, his experience of being a captain at Hearts for a few years now."
The Rangers boss also pointed to Shankland's experience, his understanding of the club and their existing relationship.
"He's got the experience. I think we're still quite a young dressing room.
"He knows the club in terms of being a Glasgow boy and supporting the club. He knows what's expected.
"I've got a strong relationship, which always helps with these things."
McInnes wants Rangers leadership group
McInnes also revealed Rangers will move away from relying solely on one captain, with a wider leadership group sharing responsibility throughout the season.
"I do feel that the role now has changed in the sense that we need as many captains underneath him as well."
Shankland welcomed that approach and believes Rangers have the personalities to make it work.
"The manager did touch on that. We're going to need a lot of leaders in the camp.
"It'll not just be about myself. There will be that core group that looks to lead the changing room. Obviously, myself, I'll be at the forefront of that."
McInnes admitted he often felt Tavernier carried too much responsibility during his spell as Rangers captain, particularly after difficult results.
"I used to see it with James Tavernier a lot at Rangers where he would get rolled out after every sore defeat.
"I just thought that it was always a bit unfair. It was the same guy getting rolled out all the time."
Shankland embracing responsibility
Having captained Hearts for the last 28 months, Shankland believes he is ready for the extra scrutiny that comes with wearing the armband at Ibrox.
"All I've known in the last two and a half years is being captain at a football club. It's something I enjoyed.
"Of course, when things get difficult, people look to the captain to answer for the squad, but the rewards of being successful at a football club and being a successful captain outweigh it by miles. It's something I'm really looking forward to."
The new Rangers captain also admitted he is excited to lead the club he has supported since childhood.
"I can't wait. I was buzzing to do it in the friendly sprint, just to get the armband on.
"To lead my club that I've supported all my life is obviously going to be a huge moment, but at the same time, I've got a job to do. I'll allow myself a minute to enjoy it."
Rangers begin their Premiership campaign on Friday evening, away to Dundee United at Tannadice.
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