Derek McInnes has appointed striker Lawrence Shankland as the new captain of Rangers Football Club for the upcoming season. The announcement comes two months after Shankland's transfer to Ibrox from Hearts.
While McInnes expressed confidence in Shankland's ability to lead, he also highlighted the necessity for other senior players to share the leadership responsibilities. "We need as many captains underneath him as possible," McInnes stated, referencing the concept of sharing the burden both on and off the field. He drew a parallel to his time at Hearts, where Shankland, as captain, often carried significant weight when the team faced difficulties. McInnes also noted that at Rangers, it was sometimes unfair for a single player, like James Tavernier in the past, to be the sole spokesperson after every setback.
The manager revealed that Shankland was informed of the decision on Wednesday morning, just before the eve of the new season. McInnes emphasized Shankland's suitability for the role, citing his experience captaining Hearts and his understanding of the club's expectations as a lifelong supporter.
In team news, McInnes is hopeful of finalizing two new signings before the team's opening match. A deal for South African defender Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union is reportedly close to completion. McInnes described Makhanya as a player with a "good age, a lot of athleticism and big potential," fitting the club's recruitment profile. The manager also indicated that Rangers are pursuing another attacking player.
Meanwhile, winger Oliver Antman is on the verge of departing Rangers for Anderlecht in a deal reportedly worth around £4.5 million. Defender John Souttar is also exploring his options for regular game time, though he continues to train with the squad.
McInnes is also appealing a three-game ban incurred for his comments on a penalty awarded to Celtic last season. He expressed his desire to be on the touchline for the start of the new campaign.
Despite minor knocks picked up by Thelo Aasgaard and Cammy Devlin in a recent pre-season game, both are in contention to play. "You have to feel excited about a new season starting," McInnes concluded. "It's an opportunity to start as we mean to go on."