Rangers signed Shankland for big moments, says McInnes after first league win

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Rangers boss Derek McInnes felt his team finally got what they deserved as he hailed Lawrence Shankland’s impact in the big moments.

It has been a troublesome start to life as Rangers boss for McInnes, whose team crashed out of the Conference League qualifying play-offs in midweek.

However, Rangers bounced back at Pittodrie Stadium on Sunday, with Shankland converting a 69th-minute penalty to seal a 1-0 win over Aberdeen.

It marked Rangers’ first Scottish Premiership win of the campaign, and McInnes is relieved to have seen a response from his side.

“Just really satisfied with what I saw. Pleased for the players and the supporters,” he told Sky Sports.

“It was a huge effort from everyone, and we get the reward with three points. It’s nothing more than we deserve. For the first time in a long time, a lot of Rangers supporters probably enjoyed the performance.

“When the chance comes along, it’s a big moment for Lawrence and that’s why we brought him here.

“Thursday was a really poor performance, we had to dig deep, so the players deserve credit for sorting their heads out.

“We need to enjoy the win, but we need to make it a habit.”

Safe journey home, Gers! pic.twitter.com/sdKZTTdoaE

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) August 30, 2026

Rangers had 56.2% possession and bettered Aberdeen for shots (18 to 10), while they limited their hosts to just 0.5 expected goals and 0.2 xG from open play.

However, they relied on Shankland’s composure from the spot to get the job done.

“The disappointment during the week, it’s been a tough start, so I think it was important to show a real togetherness and what a real Rangers team would look like,” said midfielder Cammy Devlin.

“The fans were incredible, so for them to turn up and give us that extra bit of noise really helped us. That desperation to win was really on show.

“It was a proper performance. We can be a lot better with the ball, but it was about winning, and we’ve done that.

“Coming here it’s never easy. It was one big moment: Shanks scores, and we go home with three points.”

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