Rangers boss Derek McInnes speaks on Nico Raskin future and sends Lawrence Shankland message

Derek McInnes backs Lawrence Shankland and drops Nico Raskin transfer hint

Derek McInnes has backed Lawrence Shankland to find his goalscoring form at Rangers while making it clear that the striker’s status as club captain does not guarantee him a place in the starting XI.

Shankland arrived from Hearts during the summer because of his impressive goalscoring record, but his start at Ibrox has been underwhelming. The 31-year-old has scored just once in five competitive appearances, with his only goal coming from the penalty spot against Jagiellonia Bialystok.

McInnes left Shankland out of the starting lineup for the first leg in Poland and again began without him during Sunday’s 5-1 Premier Sports Cup victory over St Mirren. The striker was introduced from the bench and came close to scoring when he hit the post.

Despite his slow start, McInnes has no concerns about Shankland’s ability to deliver.

“When you have a player like Lawrence, who knows his way around the penalty box and how to score goals, I don’t worry too much about it,” the Rangers boss said.

“He is too good not to score regularly. He has consistently shown that over a period of time in the Premiership, with 20-odd goals a season at Hearts.”

McInnes also stressed that Shankland’s captaincy does not mean he will automatically play every match.

He said the striker understood that when they discussed the captaincy and accepted that he would still have to compete for his place.

“Being captain doesn’t guarantee anything and he accepted that,” McInnes explained.

The Rangers manager nevertheless praised Shankland’s character and leadership, insisting he remains an important figure both on and off the pitch.

McInnes addresses Nico Raskin transfer speculation

Nico Raskin also remains a major talking point at Ibrox, with speculation continuing over his future.

The Belgian wore the captain’s armband during Shankland’s absence against St Mirren and has impressed since the beginning of the season.

McInnes admitted he expected interest in the midfielder and suggested there could still be conversations about a potential departure.

“I came into this with my eyes wide open. Every player has a price and a time when it might suit them, or the club, to move on,” he said.

However, McInnes has been impressed by Raskin’s attitude and insists the midfielder has not allowed the transfer speculation to affect his performances.

“Nico has been a dream to work with since we came in. He does not look distracted in any way,” he added.

For now, the Rangers boss intends to continue using Raskin while he remains at Ibrox.

Rangers still targeting attacking reinforcements

Rangers have continued to strengthen their squad, with Aston Villa right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic arriving on loan.

McInnes believes the Serbian defender will provide greater athleticism and competition at right-back, but the manager remains determined to add more attacking quality before the transfer window closes.

A new striker and winger remain among Rangers’ priorities, with Portland Timbers forward Kevin Kelsy and Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry reportedly among the players being pursued.

McInnes believes the right additions could significantly improve his side.

“We still have work to do at the top end of the pitch,” he said.

“Those are often the toughest deals to get done but they’re the additions that can make the difference.”

Despite Rangers scoring five goals against St Mirren, McInnes insists his recruitment plans have not changed.

The Rangers boss wants to bring in a versatile winger capable of playing on either flank, while also adding more competition and quality in attack as he looks to reshape his squad.