Rangers manager Derek McInnes has insisted he has no concerns over Lawrence Shankland's early-season form despite the striker scoring just once in five games.
The 31-year-old forward joined Scottish Premiership club Rangers at the start of the summer prior to heading off to the World Cup with Scotland. He was subsequently appointed club captain by McInnes when the manager took charge at Ibrox Stadium.
Shankland's lone goal of the campaign came during last week's Europa League exit against Polish club Jagiellonia Bialystok. His quiet start has led critics to question his overall contribution and his place as an automatic selection in the starting line-up.
Speaking ahead of Thursday evening's UEFA Conference League play-off first leg against Czech side Jablonec at Ibrox, McInnes expressed full confidence that the striker will regularly find the net.
"When you have a player like Lawrence, who knows his way around the penalty box and how to score goals, I do not worry too much about it," McInnes said.
"He is too good not to score regularly. He has consistently shown that over a period of time in the Premier League, with 20-odd goals a season at Hearts."
"Sometimes people can overemphasise these things. For me, it is a case of letting him play his natural game," McInnes added. "The best strikers have that instinctive side to their game, where everything looks natural and seamless. I have no doubt he will do well here."
Shankland was named on the bench for the Europa League fixture against Jagiellonia in Poland, entering the match for the final five minutes. He was also a substitute during last weekend's 5-1 victory over St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup, prompting some supporters to suggest he needs a run of consecutive starts to reach full match sharpness.
The decision to hand Shankland the captain's armband has also drawn scrutiny from observers who question whether a player who is not guaranteed to start every match should lead the team on the pitch.
Shankland Role and Captaincy
McInnes addressed the captaincy debate directly, revealing that he discussed squad rotation with Shankland when appointing him captain.
"I said that when I spoke to Lawrence, being captain does not guarantee anything, and he accepted that," McInnes said. "He is not going to stamp his feet about it. Somebody has to be club captain and, having worked with Lawrence before, he is a brilliant captain and a brilliant boy. He has a lot to offer."
"People can maybe look too much into it. You want your captain to have a big influence on and off the pitch, and I believe Lawrence will have that," the manager added. "For me, it is a non-question, although I understand why people might see more in it."
Nedeljkovic Loan Deal
Along with backing his captain, McInnes confirmed that Rangers have completed the season-long loan signing of Serbian right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from English Premier League side Aston Villa.
The deal for the 20-year-old defender includes a conditional obligation to buy for £4 million next summer, depending on performance and appearance thresholds. Pending international clearance, Nedeljkovic will enter the squad immediately for Thursday's match against Jablonec alongside fellow summer signing James Penrice.
Nedeljkovic, a full Serbia international who previously played for Red Star Belgrade in Serbia and underwent a loan spell at German Bundesliga team RB Leipzig, will compete for the starting right-back spot against Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie.
Speaking to the official Rangers club website after sealing his move, Nedeljkovic shared his optimism about joining the Glasgow team.
"I am very excited. Rangers is such a big club, a big family, and I am excited to join and help the team have success together," Nedeljkovic said. "For me, it was an easy decision after meeting with the coach; I only wanted Rangers. It is a big opportunity and a big responsibility. I always try to be positive and work hard so I am ready to help the team."
McInnes welcomed the young defender's arrival, highlighting his athletic style and competitive energy.
"Kosta is a talented young player who we are really pleased to bring to the club," McInnes said. "He has already gained some valuable experience at a high level in England and Germany, as well as representing Serbia internationally."
"Kosta is an athletic and energetic full-back who is keen to get forward, but he also has a real desire to defend and compete, and he will further strengthen a key area for us," McInnes added. "I look forward to welcoming Kosta to Rangers, and working with him moving forward."
Transfer Window Priorities
With the summer transfer window entering its final fortnight, McInnes confirmed that Rangers remain actively focused on adding more offensive quality to the squad.
The manager stated that the club is prioritizing the acquisition of a new striker and two new wingers before the transfer window closes.
"The priorities are at the top end of the pitch," McInnes said. "We need to bring players in there. That is not to say we would not look elsewhere, but where we are at the minute, I hope the next signing is someone in the forward areas. That would be the priority."
"I just want a winger of the right level at the minute. If he plays off the left or the right, that will do me. If he can play on both sides, even better," McInnes explained. "We have Gassama and Findlay Curtis, who are capable of good moments, and Daisuke Yokota will improve as we go along."
"We have players who can play in those positions, but we see the importance of having an attacking threat at Rangers. Everyone is trying to get those players in. Whoever we bring in, I believe, will give us a real dose of quality," McInnes continued. "We are all working closely together to bring in the best option, and not just any option. We are trying to be specific about what we need."
McInnes explained that while searching for a central striker was not originally on the agenda, a recent injury to forward Youssef Chermiti altered the club's transfer plans.
"As I've said, No 9s are normally difficult to sign. It was not an area we were initially looking to address, but the injury to Youssef has changed that," McInnes said. "Every day, the staff are actively trying to source good options and see whether we can bring one in. There has been plenty of work done and we are poring over different strikers. Hopefully, we can land on the one we want and get him here quickly."
