Former captain Tavernier was often the fall guy among the support for Rangers’ failings, despite arguably being the club’s best player over the past decade.
Criticism often felt unfair, but Shankland acknowledges that scrutiny comes with wearing the armband of such a demanding club.
Supporters of the Ibrox side have long called for the signing of the striker for his goalscoring ability, but his experience in Scottish football and status as a boyhood fan will also tick boxes in their eyes.
Rangers now have a manager in the dugout and a captain on the pitch who the fans feel ‘get it’, and Shankland insists he is prepared to shoulder the scrutiny if it means he has the chance to become a successful captain at Ibrox.
“At times when things are difficult, people do look to the captain to answer for the squad,” Shankland said. “That’s something I’ll need to be responsible for.
“But on the flip side of that, the rewards of being successful at this football club, and being a successful captain, far outweigh [the potential scrutiny] by miles.”
Ibrox boss McInnes added: “The advantage Lawrence had is that I’ve got evidence of how well he runs a dressing room from Hearts.
“He’s got the experience. We’re still quite a young dressing room. He knows the club, supported the club, and knows what’s expected of him and me and the team.”
