Derek McInnes has appointed Lawrence Shankland as the new Rangers captain, taking over the armband from James Tavernier. The new Ibrox boss, who is close to completing a £3million move for Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya, stressed that Shankland cannot be the only leader in the squad.
Sharing the leadership burden
McInnes explained his choice, saying he wanted time to assess the squad. "The advantage Lawrence had is that I’ve already seen first-hand how well he runs a dressing room, with his experience captaining Hearts for a few years," he said. He also noted that Shankland knows the club as a Glasgow boy and Rangers supporter. McInnes added: "I felt Lawrence took a lot on his shoulders at Hearts when things weren’t going so well. ... Here, the role is slightly different in that we need as many captains underneath him as possible." He referenced Tavernier's previous burden: "You’ve heard a lot of managers talk about that – sharing the burden. At Rangers, I always felt it was a bit unfair that James Tavernier was rolled out after every sore defeat, it was always the same guy fronting up." McInnes concluded: "Ideally you want everyone to be able to handle that responsibility."
Transfer activity continues
McInnes is pushing to sign South Africa international Makhanya as his eighth arrival. He said: "We’ve not given up hope that both lads could be on board for Dundee United on Friday. [Makhanya] is one that is close. We’re pretty close to announcing that, so it’s safe to say that one looks good for us, and there’s another we’re still trying to get over the line. He fits a similar profile to a lot of the business we’ve tried to do – good age, a lot of athleticism and big potential. He’s coming from MLS into a different country and style of football, but we believe he has the attributes to cope with that. Looking at us defensively, we’re short in numbers, so it was important to act quickly to get one in. We probably still need another couple of defenders before the window closes, but getting this one resolved this week, hopefully with an announcement tonight or tomorrow, would be a big step and we’d be delighted. We’re really strong in certain areas, but there are key areas where we still need to bring one or two in, particularly towards the top end of the pitch."
McInnes also confirmed that Oliver Antman is close to moving to Anderlecht. "I believe a deal has been agreed and Oli has travelled to finalise that. Beyond that, I’m not fully up to speed – that was this morning or last night – but I’m pretty sure it will work out well for the boy." Regarding Nico Raskin, he said: "Not that I’m aware of. Nico is due to arrive late tomorrow. These conversations are between the club and his agent, and if something comes in I’m sure we’ll look at it, but there’s nothing so far."
Season opener at Tannadice
Rangers begin the Premiership season away to Dundee United on Friday. Vanja Dragojevic is available after receiving a visa, and Thelo Aasgaard and Cammy Devlin are fit after knocks. McInnes is appealing a three-game ban and expects to be on the touchline. He said: “I want to be there because I want to be able to do my job. We will appeal the ban and hopefully that allows me to be on the touchline. I’m really looking forward to it. You have to feel excited about a new season starting - it’s an opportunity to start as we mean to go on. It’s well documented that Rangers haven’t started the first game of the season well for a number of years. The fixture list has dealt us a tough opener and you rarely get an easy away game, but it’s important Dundee United have a tougher game than we do on Friday. We’ve got to turn up and do our jobs properly. Pre-season friendlies serve their purpose and I’m glad they’re over so we can get down to the real stuff. We still have work to do, but I’m delighted with what we’ve managed in terms of signings and the effort the players have put in. They’ve worked extremely hard, been very willing to listen and do what we’re asking, and they’ve been first-class in terms of effort. As a staff, we need to help them along and winning games helps, especially for a young team. Getting that early confidence, starting with a win at Dundee United away, would be a big step for us, but we know it will be a tough match."
