JACK AXE NO BIG DEAL, SAYS STAND-IN SKIPPER SHINNIE

GRAEME SHINNIE has played down the significance of Ryan Jack being stripped of the Aberdeen captaincy ahead of the Scottish Cup final at Hampden. Jack, 25, made his return from a groin injury in the six-goal thrashing of Partick Thistle last Sunday and remains in contention to feature against Celtic. Poised to sign a deal with Rangers, however, the midfielder was yesterday informed he has worn the armband for the final time — with Shinnie given that honour in his place. But Shinnie, who lifted the trophy as Inverness skipper two years ago, feels the decision will have no bearing on the team’s preparations. ‘It is not going to change the way myself, Jacko or the team are going to play,’ Shinnie said. ‘It is all about the team and not who’s going to be captain. ‘We are all leaders on the pitch and it is all about the team and how we go and win the Scottish Cup. ‘We’ve all got this game to focus on and it can’t be about anything else. We need to focus on what we want to do for the game.’ Asked if he had been informed if he was the Dons captain from this point on, Shinnie replied: ‘No, it is just as the game comes with the situation we are in. That is the way we have dealt with it and the situation so far. It is all about the club.’ Shinnie skippered Caley Thistle when they beat Falkirk in the final two years ago. But the man who moved to Pittodrie immediately after that match does not believe yesterday’s development is necessarily a lucky omen. ‘I don’t read into it,’ he said. ‘I would go out and do the same things if I didn’t have the armband and likewise with Jacko.’ Meanwhile, Derek McInnes has emerged as a possible contender for the Sunderland vacancy, with his former Rangers manager Walter Smith presently advising the club on the best man to replace David Moyes. The ex-Manchester United manager quit the Black Cats on Monday following their relegation from the Premier League. The Wearsiders are in no rush to make an appointment, but McInnes’ name is one of those now on the lips of Sunderland fans — as a result of the Rangers legend presently advising former Ibrox chief executive Martin Bain in an unofficial capacity.

Sportsmail also understands Moyes would be interested in the Scotland manager’s job if it becomes available this summer. The 54-year-old would be a frontrunner for the position should Gordon Strachan leave in the coming months and it is understood he would talk to the SFA. Scotland face England in a World Cup qualifier on June 10 and defeat could spell the end of Strachan’s four-and-a-half-year reign. They are currently fourth in Group F and he has found himself under pressure from fans during a disappointing campaign.