Rangers manager Derek McInnes has revealed he has already made up his mind on who will be the club's new captain, despite continuing to trial several candidates during pre-season. The Ibrox side are seeking a replacement for James Tavernier, who departed the club earlier this summer.
McInnes has used the pre-season schedule to assess potential leaders, with Ross McCrorie, Dan Neil, Lawrence Shankland, and Ben Godfrey all having worn the armband. Dujon Sterling became the fifth player to captain the side when he led the team out for a goalless draw against West Ham.
McInnes confirms decision made
McInnes confirmed that he has already selected the player who will lead Rangers out at Tannadice on Friday, but emphasised that he wanted to see how each candidate handled the responsibility. "A lot of people get obsessed with who's the captain - I understand that. But I do think I'm fortunate in that I've got a few that I can consider for that position," he said.
"Sometimes you can sit in a dressing room, look around and you go, 'Christ, who's going to lead them out?' I don't feel that here. I feel as though there's a number that could do it. But obviously somebody's got to take the lads down the tunnel and somebody's going to have that responsibility."
Decision expected this week
The manager added that while his mind is made up, he is still consulting with his staff before making a formal announcement. "Is my mind made up? Yeah, I'm still talking to the staff because it's not been at the forefront of my thoughts, to be honest. I understand the question, and it is a big thing - particularly at this club. But it hasn't been at the forefront of any discussions, but obviously we'll make a decision on that this week."
