Danny Rohl risks Rangers wrath amid Lawrence Shankland decision
Danny Rohl may have an issue after Rangers signed Lawrence Shankland.
The 30-year-old striker has been a target for the Gers for many years, and they have finally secured his services.
The Gers announced the deal was complete on 26 May, bringing an end to one of the most complicated transfer sagas in Scottish football.
It fits with the owners’ and Rohl’s desire to bring in more Scottish players and more leaders to try and catch up with Hearts and Celtic.
However, it may cause an issue for the German manager, with Rangers having to make a decision that could involve Shankland shortly.
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What Rangers decision will involve Shankland?
Rangers are looking for a new captain, with James Tavernier set to leave at the end of his contract in June.
Shankland could be a contender to take up that role, given his experience with the armband in his time with the Jambos.
| Shankland’s stats for Hearts | All competitions |
| Matches | 171 |
| Goals | 88 |
| Assists | 29 |
| Minutes played | 14,334 |
It would be a sensible choice given his quality, previous leadership and the fact that he is a Gers fan, so he knows the standards expected at the club.
Why would Shankland captaincy prove controversial?
Rohl risks the wrath of his squad if he makes the decision to give Shankland the captaincy after he has just signed for the Govan club.
That would surely upset figures who feel like they deserve the armband, such as Nicolas Raskin, Emmanuel Fernandez and perhaps even experienced goalkeeper Jack Butland.
| Rangers captaincy contenders | Rangers appearances |
| Lawrence Shankland | 0 |
| Nicolas Raskin | 145 |
| Emmanuel Fernandez | 33 |
| Jack Butland | 157 |
It would be a huge statement if he were to hand the veteran striker the armband over the Gers’ already established stars, and may well upset the applecart in G51.
There is no doubt that Shankland is captain material, though, so it would not be a bad decision by any means, in terms of the impact on the pitch for the Auchenhowie side.
The decision will be on the cards in the very near future, and Rohl’s call could define the Gers’ season in a crucial time for his spell in charge, when he faces increasing scrutiny.
It could derail it, if he makes the wrong choice, but it could propel them to another level, if he gets it right, taking them into serious title contention.
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