Lawrence Shankland named Rangers captain as Derek McInnes reveals new signing

Lawrence Shankland has been named as Rangers’ new captain, as Derek McInnes delivered an update on the club’s transfer activity.

The striker, who was Hearts’ captain during last season’s title charge, will take over the armband from former skipper James Tavernier.

The defender left Rangers after 11 years at the club at the conclusion of last season’s campaign.

McInnes’ side will share the spotlight with Dundee United as the Premiership season kicks off on Friday night, and the Rangers manager revealed a new face coming into the side.

South African defender Olwethu Makhanya will sign for the club from Philadelphia Union, but won’t be available for the game at Tannadice.

Meanwhile, on the way out of Ibrox is winger Oliver Antman, who is set to join Anderlecht.

The Finnish international joined the club on a four-year deal less than a year ago.

On Shankland’s captaincy, McInnes said: “The advantage Lawrence has is that I have evidence of how well he runs a dressing room, with the experience of being the captain of Hearts.

“We’re still quite a young dressing room and he knows the club being a Glasgow boy, supporting the club. He know what is expected.

“The role now has changed; we need as many captains underneath him as well to help share the burden.”

On transfers, he added: “We’ll hopefully be able to announce one today or tomorrow, and we’re still actively trying to do one more, which is quite an important one position-wise.

“We’re a bit light in terms of numbers and getting that resolved this week, we’re delighted.”

Shankland said: “Obviously, it’s a huge honour for me to be named captain of this football club.

“I’m a lifelong supporter. It was a dream to be here in the first place but to be captain is a huge honour.

“He (McInnes) just told me about an hour ago! When I was at Hearts, I was captain and the only way I’ve learned to behave and in my training has been to act as a captain and try to be a leader in the group.”