Scotland striker Shankland named Rangers captain

What the report says

BBC Sport reported that Lawrence Shankland has been appointed Rangers captain, only two months after the Scotland striker joined the club from Hearts. The 30-year-old takes over the armband from James Tavernier, who had been a long-serving skipper at Ibrox.

Shankland arrived at Rangers after a productive spell with Hearts, where BBC Sport said he scored 88 goals in 171 appearances before leaving in May. He had also captained Hearts, giving him prior experience in the role. The appointment adds another prominent responsibility for a player described in the report as a boyhood Rangers supporter.

Tavernier’s tenure as captain included leading Rangers to a Europa League final and winning the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and League Cup during his 11 years in Govan. His succession therefore marks a notable leadership change at the club as Rangers continue their transition under manager Derek McInnes.

The decision comes shortly before Rangers open their Scottish Premiership campaign away to Dundee United at Tannadice Park on Friday, with kick-off listed by BBC Sport as 20:00 BST. The move matters because captaincy at Rangers is a high-profile role, and Shankland’s appointment signals the club’s confidence in a recent signing to lead the squad at the start of a new league season.