Derek McInnes Backs Lawrence Shankland to Shine as Rangers Captain

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has voiced his belief that captain Lawrence Shankland will play a significant role at the club, regardless of his current position in the starting lineup. Shankland, who joined Rangers from Hearts this summer, has yet to find his rhythm at Ibrox, having been benched during the recent 5-1 League Cup victory over St Mirren.

Shankland’s Leadership Qualities

McInnes, who previously managed Shankland at Hearts, described him as a “brilliant captain” and emphasised that his influence extends beyond just starting matches. “Being captain does not guarantee anything, and he accepted that,” McInnes stated. He highlighted the importance of having a captain who can inspire both on and off the pitch, and he is confident that Shankland possesses the qualities to do so.

Current Form and Future Prospects

Despite a challenging start to the season, where Shankland has scored only once—a penalty against Polish side Jagiellonia in the Europa League qualifier—McInnes remains optimistic. “When you have a player like Lawrence, who knows his way around the penalty box, I do not worry too much about it,” he said. The manager believes that Shankland’s proven track record of scoring over 20 goals a season at Hearts will translate into success at Rangers.

Upcoming Challenges

As Rangers prepare for their UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Czech side Jablonec, McInnes is focused on integrating new signings and solidifying the squad. The club has welcomed 11 new players this summer, including the recent addition of Kosta Nedeljkovic from Aston Villa on a season-long loan. McInnes noted that the team is still looking to strengthen their attacking options before the transfer window closes.

Conclusion

With the season still in its early stages, McInnes is keen to allow Shankland to find his natural game. He believes that the best strikers have an instinctive ability to score, and he has no doubt that Shankland will soon make a significant impact at Rangers. Fans will be watching closely as the team gears up for their next match, hoping to see their captain rise to the occasion.

Source: This original report was produced by WTGO Newsroom using verified reporting from Sky Sports.