Lawrence ShanklandImago

Celtic fans respond after Lawrence Shankland is appointed Rangers captain

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

29 Jul 2026, 4:15 pm

Celtic fans were quick to mock Rangers after it was confirmed that Lawrence Shankland will be their new captain ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The Gers were in need of a new man to hold the armband after James Tavernier departed Ibrox at the end of the season.

Many names were likely considered for the role, but Shankland was eventually confirmed as the captain on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old joined Rangers this summer from Hearts, having previously been the captain at the Edinburgh club.

Upon this news being announced, Celtic fans were ecstatic and were quick to laugh at the Gers for making the decision.

Many fans have mocked that the striker is now set to try and captain Rangers to trophies, despite not winning any while at Hearts.

Celtic fans mock Rangers for appointing Lawrence Shankland as captain

Shankland had a great personal career while at Hearts.

In his four years at Tynecastle, he finished as the Scottish Premiership’s top scorer once, got into the Team of the Season twice, won Player of the Season once, and won numerous Player of the Month awards.

Despite this, he never won a single trophy at the club, coming closest last season as Hearts bottled the title on the final day to Celtic.

Therefore, with Derek McInnes tasked with ending Rangers’ trophy drought this season, many Celtic fans found it highly amusing that the manager appointed Shankland as captain, despite his lack of major silverware.

pic.twitter.com/flKgzjRGes
— jimei2ibb@gmail.com (@jimei2ibb) July 29, 2026

Bottle merchant manager, bottle merchant captain. Things you love to see
— Fionn mac Cumhaill (@tiocfaidharlo) July 29, 2026

YAAAASSSSSS !
— SanfranCeltic (@SanfranCeltic) July 29, 2026

Like for like.

The Hall of Fame serial loser being replaced by another guy that's won hee haw 😂

As you were...
— gigicullen (@gigicullen0502) July 29, 2026

Loser Central..😂
— DavyMc.. (@dmcg1968) July 29, 2026

😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/9YATnDldgQ
— GP1982 (@GP1982140674) July 29, 2026

Agent tav has been replaced by someone who knows how it feels to finish second.
— Sellick (@Idaheanacho) July 29, 2026

Benjamin Arthur's compelling stats prove why Celtic are right to complete deal

When is the first Old Firm derby this season?

With the Scottish Premiership campaign set to begin this week, both Rangers and Celtic will be expected to battle for the title once again this season.

Given that the Gers have undergone major changes this summer, the first Old Firm derby could indicate who has the edge in the title race at the start of the campaign.

Luckily, fans will not have to wait too long to watch the Old Firm clash, with the first set to come on 20 September, with Celtic hosting the tie.

Kick-off is at 12pm, with the match being the final in the Scottish Premiership before the three-week international break.

However, it remains to be seen who will come out on top as both sides look to secure bragging rights.

Derek McInnes