Derek McInnes has named Lawrence Shankland as Rangers captain for the new season but warned his squad that the striker cannot be the only leader in the dressing room.
Shankland, 30, was confirmed as skipper two months after joining Ibrox from Hearts. McInnes made the same move from Gorgie and said he had seen enough of the Scotland international to know he was the right choice.
But the manager was clear that Shankland would need support. "I felt Lawrence took a lot on his shoulders at Hearts when things weren't going so well," McInnes said. "Here, the role is slightly different in that we need as many captains underneath him as possible. You've heard a lot of managers talk about that, sharing the burden."
McInnes pointed to the pressure that fell on former skipper James Tavernier as a reason for spreading responsibility more widely. "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," he said.
The manager held off making the call until the eve of the new season, with Shankland only told the news on Wednesday morning. Rangers open their campaign at Tannadice on Friday evening.
McInnes cited Shankland's experience captaining Hearts, his knowledge of the club as a Glasgow-born Rangers supporter, and their existing relationship as factors in his favour. "We had a lot to consider, but plenty went in his favour, his experience, the fact we're still quite a young dressing room, and that he knows the club as a Glasgow boy who has supported Rangers and understands what's expected," he said.
Signings and departures
McInnes said he hoped to complete two signings before Friday's game. A deal for Olwethu Makhanya, a 22-year-old South African defender from Philadelphia Union, is nearing completion. Makhanya was part of South Africa's World Cup squad but did not play.
"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," McInnes said, adding that the club still needed another couple of defenders before the transfer window closes.
Rangers are also closing in on another attacker, though McInnes did not identify the player.
On the outgoing side, Oliver Antman is set to join Anderlecht for around £4.5 million. The Finnish winger joined from Go Ahead Eagles a year ago but his form declined after a bright start. McInnes confirmed a deal has been agreed and that Antman had travelled to finalise the move.
Defender John Souttar remains with the squad but McInnes indicated he could leave in search of regular football. "It might be a situation where John looks to go elsewhere," he said, noting that Souttar is exploring options.
Touchline ban appeal
McInnes expects to be on the touchline at Tannadice after Rangers appealed a three-game ban he received for describing a penalty awarded to Celtic at Motherwell last season as "disgusting." A further ban is suspended.
Thelo Aasgaard and Cammy Devlin are in contention to feature on Friday despite picking up minor knocks in the final pre-season game against West Ham.
