---
title: "McInnes takes pressure off Lawrence Shankland with captain comments – lesser role ahead?"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/08/19/mcinnes-pressure-off-lawrence-shankland"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Rangers News"
published: "2026-08-19T22:49:31Z"
modified: "2026-10-10T21:45:42Z"
---

# McInnes takes pressure off Lawrence Shankland with captain comments – lesser role ahead?

**Rangers boss Derek McInnes praised the quality of club captain Lawrence Shankland, as well as taking pressure off his shoulders, speaking at the press conference ahead of the Conference League tie against Jablonec on Thursday.**

The manager backed Shankland to have a “big influence” on the team in the weeks and months ahead, but could that also mean a lesser role on the pitch?

The catalyst for the conversation was the team selection and the performance last Sunday against St. Mirren in the League Cup.

It was Rangers’ best of the season so far. They were well worth the 5-1 win.

However, the one focal point striker up top was Ryan Naderi, with Shankland on the bench, while Nico Raskin assumed the captain’s armband.

[It’s a familiar dilemma](https://readrangers.com/2026/08/06/lawrence-shankland-dilemma-jagiellonia-v-rangers).

[Press Conference | Derek McInnes | 19 Aug 2026 (embedded)](https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/IRwDiqlHCdY?feature=oembed)

## McInnes discusses Shankland situation after impressive 4-3-3

Shankland has recorded one goal in five competitive games so far. That solitary strike came from the penalty spot against [Jagiellonia](https://readrangers.com/2026/08/13/rangers-europa-league-jagiellonia-talking-points).

Last season, he notched 22 for Hearts under McInnes, but the boss has backed his player to find his form.

“When you have a player like Lawrence, who knows his way around the penalty box and how to score goals, I do not worry too much about it.

“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.”

### No guarantee to play

On the captaincy issue, it was a big talking point pre-season.

The captain figure still carries weight at Ibrox and rightly so. Shankland has been designated club captain, but McInnes’ approach in the warm-up games alluded to the present situation.

For Shankland, the outcome hasn’t been one as an automatic starter in the team.

“I said that when I spoke to Lawrence,” detailed McInnes.

“Being captain does not guarantee anything, and he accepted that. He is not going to stamp his feet about it.

“Having worked with Lawrence before, he is a brilliant captain and a brilliant boy. You want your captain to have a big influence on and off the pitch, and I believe Lawrence will have that.”

The 31-year-old will have time to get into his stride at Ibrox, but he will need to if he is to make the mark that he is capable of.

The crux for McInnes is that the 4-3-3 appears to be the best option for the team right now, but the lone striker role isn’t one that Shankland excels in.