adminLawrence Shankland has delivered a brutally honest assessment of Rangers’ European disappointment, admitting that the club’s latest setback was simply “embarrassing.”
The Rangers captain was part of the squad that suffered a painful exit against Jagiellonia Bialystok, with the result leaving the Ibrox side without European football. For a club of Rangers’ stature, Shankland acknowledged that there was little room for excuses after the performance.
The striker’s comments are particularly significant given his unusual start to life at Rangers.
Shankland arrived from Hearts during the summer as one of Derek McInnes’ major signings and was immediately handed the captain’s armband. However, despite being appointed skipper, he has not been guaranteed a regular place in the starting XI.
McInnes left Shankland on the bench for the Europa League qualifying defeat to Jagiellonia, choosing Youssef Chermiti to lead the attack. Shankland eventually came on for just five minutes, replacing Ross McCrorie late in the match.
His situation did not immediately improve in Rangers’ League Cup victory over St Mirren either, with Ryan Naderi starting up front and scoring during the 5-1 win.
McInnes has repeatedly insisted that the captaincy does not guarantee Shankland a starting position. The Rangers boss has nevertheless praised the striker, describing him as a “brilliant captain” and insisting that he is too good not to score regularly after his impressive 22-goal campaign for Hearts last season.
Shankland, however, has avoided turning the situation into a personal issue.
Instead, his reaction after the European elimination focused squarely on the team’s performance.
The Rangers captain admitted that failing to secure European football was “embarrassing” and made it clear that the players could not hide behind excuses after what happened on the pitch.
Perhaps most importantly, Shankland called for accountability from the Rangers squad and acknowledged that the players owe supporters an apology.
That message could prove more important than any criticism directed at the manager.
While questions will inevitably continue over Shankland’s lack of starts and McInnes’ decision-making, the striker has so far refused to publicly create controversy.
His only Rangers goal to date came from the penalty spot during the defeat to Jagiellonia, meaning the club will need much more from their new captain if they are to turn their difficult start around.
For now, Shankland’s blunt description of the European exit tells its own story.
“Embarrassing” was the word he used — and after such a disappointing night, Rangers supporters will likely understand exactly why.
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