Shankland’s captaincy energises Rangers as Makhanya deal looms

Lawrence Shankland has been appointed captain of Rangers, succeeding James Tavernier, as the club edges closer to signing South African defender Olwethu Makhanya. The 30‑year‑old striker, who arrived from Hearts two months ago, said the role exceeds his childhood dream of playing for his boyhood team.

Shankland said being named captain exceeded the dream he had of playing for his boyhood team. "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," he said.

He added that he intends to lead by example on the training pitch. "I always look to myself to set examples on the training pitch and do things properly around the place," he explained.

Shankland noted that experienced teammates Dan Neil and Ben Godfrey have also captained clubs before, emphasizing a collective responsibility within the squad.

McInnes bets on Shankland leadership ahead of Dundee United clash

Before joining Rangers, Shankland spent two months at Hearts, where he also wore the armband. He scored 88 goals in 171 games for the Edinburgh side, contributing a combined 117 goal involvements.

The previous long‑serving captain James Tavernier led the Ibrox side to a Europa League final and secured the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and League Cup during his time in Govan.

Derek McInnes' Rangers begin their Scottish Premiership campaign at Dundee United on Friday at 20:00 BST, marking the first league fixture under McInnes' tenure.

McInnes praised Shankland's experience, saying the striker already proved his ability to run a dressing room at Hearts. "He's got the experience. We're still quite a young dressing room. He knows the club, supported the club, and knows what's expected of him and me and the team," the manager said, while confirming the club is close to completing the signing of South African centre‑back Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union.

A second new addition, described as "quite an important one position‑wise", is also expected before the team travels to Tannadice, leaving the finalisation of Makhanya's deal as the remaining unresolved step.