Rangers manager Derek McInnes has secured a significant signing in striker Kevin Kelsy, a 22-year-old Venezuelan international, for a reported £9 million from the Portland Timbers. This substantial investment, coupled with an expected £8.5 million deal for winger Kim Min-Su, underscores the club's backing from its American owners. However, the arrival of Kelsy in Shankland's position casts a shadow over the captain's future role within the squad.
Lawrence Shankland, who was appointed club captain just weeks ago, has experienced a slow start to his tenure at Ibrox. He has scored only one goal in six appearances, a penalty against Jagiellonia Bialystok. Shankland has also been a substitute in Rangers' last two matches, featuring only briefly in the closing minutes of games against Jablonec and Jagiellonia.
Despite these observations, McInnes has expressed confidence in Shankland's ability to perform. "When you have a player like Lawrence, who knows his way around the penalty box and how to score goals, I do not worry too much about it," McInnes stated. "He is too good not to score regularly. He has consistently shown that over a period of time in the Premier League, with 20-odd goals a season at Hearts."
McInnes also addressed the captaincy, noting, "being captain does not guarantee anything, and he accepted that. He is not going to stamp his feet about it. Somebody has to be club captain and, having worked with Lawrence before, he is a brilliant captain and a brilliant boy. He has a lot to offer."
The narrative surrounding Shankland's role is further complicated by the club's pursuit of Kelsy, which McInnes acknowledged was a priority due to Youssef Chermiti's season-ending ACL injury. The urgency to sign a new striker was paramount with the transfer window nearing its close. The club's pursuit of another centre-forward is seen by some as an admission that current options are insufficient, and leaving the captain on the bench during this search has amplified concerns.
Historically, captains at clubs of Rangers' stature are expected to be pivotal figures on the pitch. Shankland's current situation, where he has been rotated out of the team and is facing competition from a high-profile signing, challenges the traditional perception of the captain's authority and influence. While leadership extends beyond on-field performance, the immediate evidence suggests the captain has yet to impose himself as a primary goal threat or a commanding presence in the manner expected of a Rangers captain.
McInnes's decision to appoint Shankland as captain before he had firmly established himself in the new-look team is now being questioned. Shankland was signed as a proven Scottish goalscorer with leadership experience, and his performances for Scotland in the World Cup reportedly highlighted limitations at a higher level. While it is still early in the season and form can change, patchy service from midfield and wide areas has also contributed to the team's overall performance.
The upcoming matches, particularly the return leg against Jablonec in the Czech Republic, will be a crucial test for Shankland and the team. With a fragile one-goal lead, Rangers will need leadership and experience. A poor result, such as a European exit, could further intensify scrutiny on Shankland's captaincy and his place in the squad. The club's significant investment in Kelsy, alongside the potential for a European campaign without European football, places considerable pressure on the captain to assert his influence and reclaim his starting position.
