Learning from 'tough' Napoli red card and World Cup hopes - James Sands' Rangers Q+A in full

Here is everything he had to say.

Is it difficult to look at the group with zero points?

Anyone can see it has been tough for us. A lot of results have not gone the way we would have liked but I think we have learned to take the emotion out of it and focus on the aspects of the game we can do better and what we have done well. I think that makes it a little easier to deal with when you focus just on the process and not the results. Tomorrow night is the last chance to prove what we have learned and a good opportunity for all of us.

Does the fact you could end up with the worst record spur you on?

A little bit maybe but I think we are more just focused on the opportunity. You never know how many Champions League games you will get to play, you could go on to play 100 or this could be your last one so for all of us it is about taking advantage of the opportunity rather than defending against an unfortunate record.

How difficult was the Napoli game?

It was certainly difficult. As a young player, I know I will make mistakes and have a lot of highs and lows ahead but as I said before as long as I have learned from it, I think that is fine, trying to implement what I have learned and hope for a positive result tomorrow night.

How big a match could this be for you in front of a packed crowd?

I think we all kind of feel that the fans deserve something. They have waited a long time to see us in the Champions League. We are all pretty eager to get a good result for them and a good result for us. It has been a challenging couple of weeks in this competition but the game at the weekend has been a big step forward for this group and we are hoping to build on that.

What can you take from the weekend’s game into tomorrow?

This past game at the weekend is the best the team has played in weeks. Even though there is a quality gap between the league and the Champions League, the same principles apply. You have less time and it will be more difficult, but you keep trying to do the same things - be positive, be aggressive - and that’s how you get a good result against the top teams.

(Image: Rangers Review)

Can a result spur you on until the World Cup break?

I think so. The games have come thick and fast and it is tough sometimes to think about individual games. But as long as we keep learning from all these experiences, that’s the best way to get a positive result. There is nothing that builds momentum like a big win. That's what we had and we will aim for another positive result tomorrow night.

How good has it been to be back playing two full 90 minutes and playing two different positions?

It was certainly a little bit of a tough period after the red card. I was out of the team for a bit but I recognise that when you make mistakes, you get dropped from the team. That’s the responsibility you have at a big club like this. I’m happy with myself that I’ve pushed through it and had a good performance at the weekend. As for playing both positions, it’s just what the team needs at the minute. We have a lot of injuries. Whatever helps the team at this point, I’m willing to do.

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Are the supporters starting to see what you can bring to the team?

I hope so. My game is not built on a lot of flash so sometimes it’s possible I get overlooked. But I think that the game against Aberdeen is a good example of the strengths that I do bring. I’ve loved my time here so far. I hope the fans recognise that as well. But I know you’re only as good as your last performance so I need to play well again tomorrow night.

Do you need to prove yourself against Ajax to enhance your hopes of playing at the World Cup?

Yes, I really believe so. These are the closest games you get to the World Cup game and I was not called in for the US national team camp and I think that was because of some of the struggles I’ve had. The sending-off against Napoli, the Ajax game. But it also works the other way around. I can play myself back into the team with a good performance tonight.

Has it been a learning curve playing at this level?

I really have enjoyed the experience. The results have not been good and no one wants to go through that. But once you take the emotion out of it and focus on what you’ve learned it’s a positive and I think I’m a much better player for it. It’s a lot more fun winning games but you don’t actually learn that much. It’s the games you lose that you are tested and learn the most. So as a young player it’s the best thing that can happen for me.