Derek McInnes has backed Lawrence Shankland to start hitting the goal trail for Rangers, but the Ibrox manager says his new skipper is not guaranteed a start every week.
Shankland was signed from Hearts this summer for his prowess in front of goal. So far, the 31-year-old has only notched a penalty against Jagiellonia Bialystok in five competitive games for Gers.
McInnes left him out of the first leg of that Europa League tie in Poland, and Shankland was also benched for Sunday's 5-1 Premier Sports Cup win over St Mirren. The Scotland forward came on and hit the post before Ross McCausland scored Rangers' fifth.
McInnes confident in Shankland's ability
McInnes is not concerned that his captain is misfiring. He is adamant that Shankland will come good at Ibrox, whether as a starter or as a substitute.
Ahead of Thursday night's Conference League play-off clash with FK Jablonec, McInnes said: "When you have a player like Lawrence, who knows his way around the penalty box and how to score goals, I don't worry too much about it.
"He is too good not to score regularly. He has consistently shown that over a period of time in the Premiership, with 20-odd goals a season at Hearts.
"Sometimes people can overemphasise these things. For me, it is a case of letting him play his natural game.
"The best strikers have that instinctive side to their game, where everything looks natural and seamless. I have no doubt he will do well here."
Captaincy does not guarantee starting place
When quizzed on whether Shankland was not certain to play every week for Rangers, the manager said: "I said that when I spoke to Lawrence.
"Being captain doesn't 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 boy. He has a lot to offer.
"People maybe look too much into it. You want your captain to have a big influence on and off the pitch, and I believe Lawrence will have that."
Raskin future and transfer plans
Against St Mirren at the weekend, Nico Raskin was given the armband in Shankland's absence. The Belgian midfielder remains at the club for now, despite speculation over his future. McInnes hinted that he still expects Raskin to be lured away from Ibrox after his impressive World Cup displays this summer, but he praised the 25-year-old's attitude and said he will use him in the best way possible while he is still at Rangers.
McInnes said: "I came into this with my eyes wide open. Every player has a price and a time when it might suit them, or the club, to move on.
"Nico has been a dream to work with since we came in. He does not look distracted in any way. I have no doubt there is plenty going on in the background and there will be conversations about Nico.
"But I just need to play it by ear. If somebody tells me anything different, that changes things. But at the moment, I'm enjoying working with him."
McInnes strengthened his squad further by adding Aston Villa right-back Kosta Nedeljokovic on loan. The Serb will go straight into the European squad for the tie against Jablonec and could make his Ibrox bow tomorrow night. Rangers have a conditional obligation to buy the 20-year-old, and McInnes was delighted to get him.
But he reiterated his desire to bring in more attacking quality before the transfer window closes, with a new striker and a winger key priorities. Rangers are chasing Portland Timbers forward Kevin Kelsy and Brighton wide man Amario Cozier-Duberry.
McInnes said: "The club has been reliant on Dujon Sterling at right-back, who has a history of injuries so we wanted to bring in a different type of full-back.
"I've got a high opinion of Dujon but Kosta will give us real enthusiasm, athleticism and an ability to get up and down the pitch.
"He's shown real quality and eagerness to play that role. We're looking forward to helping him develop.
"But we still have work to do at the top end of the pitch.
"Those are often the toughest deals to get done but they're the additions that can make the difference.
"If we get the right players in those areas, it will change the whole dynamic of the team.
"We scored five goals on Sunday but we're still keen to make those additions as quickly as possible.
"We're trying to be specific in what we need. Number 9's are difficult to sign and we're trying to bring in the best option.
"We're poring over different strikers. Hopefully we land on the one we want and get him here quickly.
"And I just want a winger of the right level. If he played off the left or right, that will do me. If he can play on both sides, even better.
"We have Djeidi Gassama and Findlay Curtis who are capable of good moments, and Daisuke Yokota will also improve.
"But we see the importance of having attacking threat at Rangers. Everyone is trying to get those players in and whoever we get, I believe will give us a real dose of quality."
