Career
Rankin has previously played for Ross County, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Hibernian. He represented Scotland B once, in 2006. Early career
Rankin began his career with English Premier League club Manchester United, but did not make any first team appearances.
While at Manchester United, Rankin was sent to Corinthians, along with Ben Muirhead, by Alex Ferguson, to gain experience at Manchester United in the near future.
However, his time there was a disaster, as he spoke about how both players struggled for food while they were there:
He also spoke about the poverty he had seen in his time in Brazil:
Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Hibernian
In January 2008, Rankin moved to Hibernian for a fee of £110,000. The goal was notable because it was scored from a yard in front of the centre circle, approximately 45 yards from the goal.
The shot dipped and deceived the Celtic goalkeeper, Polish international Artur Boruc. After the game, Rankin described the shot as a "squiggler".
Rankin was a candidate for the Hibs captaincy after Rob Jones left for Scunthorpe United in the summer of 2009.
New manager John Hughes decided to give the armband to Chris Hogg, however, with Ian Murray to serve as Hogg"s vice captain. Rankin fell out of favour under Colin Calderwood and was told in March 2011 that his contract would not be renewed. Dundee United
Rankin signed a two-year deal with Dundee United on 17 May 2011.
Rankin scored five goals for United as the team finished fourth in the 2011-2012 Scottish Premier League season and qualified for the 2012-2013 Union of European Football Associations Europa League.
In June 2012, Rankin agreed an extended contract with United. Rankin was appointed chairman of PFA Scotland in February 2013, replacing Jack Ross.
On 26 February 2014, Rankin agreed a two-year contract extension. International career
Rankin represented Scotland B once, in a match against Turkey Bachelor in 2006, while he was a Ross County player.