Thoughts on the start of the season?
We would have liked to have started the season better in our first league game. We’ve picked it up since then but it’s still the start of the season and we are adjusting to things. There are many new players and we are moving in the right direction.
How’s the start been on a personal level?
It’s been okay. I’m pushing on and we are all finding our rhythm.
How difficult is it to break into starting eleven?
The manager has brought a lot of players in and that’s what happens at clubs at Rangers. We’ve got lots of talent and competition but that’s what you have at big clubs. For me, it’s just about knowing what I can bring to the team and showing what I can do when I get that opportunity.
Is there frustration that you’ve not managed to break through?
No footballer will sit and tell you that they don’t want to play football. Everyone wants to play football but sometimes you have to wait for your opportunity and graft away. It’s down to me to be fit and to do everything in my power to convince the manager that I should be playing.
Is it easy to bide your time?
I wouldn’t say it’s an easy thing. You need to win every game at Rangers and that’s what we demand from each other. The fans demand that and that’s what we have to do at a club of this size. The manager has to go with what he thinks is the best team and I just have to continue grafting I have. I know my qualities but I’ve got to stay humble enough to take my opportunities.
What has the manager said about your role?
The manager has been honest and open. We have a good relationship and it’s down to me to take my opportunities. The more opportunities that I take, the more game time I’ll get.
Have fitness issues held you back?
Yeah, it’s been part of it. We’ve also got a lot of talent at Rangers and players have been performing well.
You made a big impact against Livingston last weekend, is it about building on that?
Of course. I’ve not come here to not play and not show what I’m about. I know that I’ve not reached the levels I can reach or that people expected me to reach, but that’s football. I’m not stressed and I’m not panicking because I know how good I can be. I did alright last week so it’s about building from that and showing people what I’m about.”
Is your game more suited when there’s space to exploit, and what different challenges are there against defensive teams?
Every game has different challenges but ultimately, I wouldn’t say I’m a player that can only play when the game opens up. I’ve been playing football from a young age and you play against different types of opponents. I feel I can bring my qualities against different opponents - in open games and against packed defences. It’s about understanding my game a bit better.
You weren’t in the European squad for the last round, do you know if you’ll be involved against PSV?
That’s not my decision and I don’t know anything.
How big a factor was European football when joining Rangers?
A big one. They did so well before I arrived in the European run, so it was a big factor. Rangers are such a big club in general and it’s hard to say no to a club like Rangers.
Is the game against Morton a chance to show your qualities?
It will be a good chance for me - if I get the opportunity. It’s about building on last week and contributing whenever the manager needs me. I just need to be on it.
Determined to make your mark here, have you ever thought about a move?
It’s been about focusing on my game and football. Whatever decision happens, I just need to focus on bringing what I can to Rangers.
Rangers don’t generally play with wingers, where can you fit in this side?
I feel like I can still play in the system that the manager wants. I’m a natural wide player but that doesn’t mean that I can’t play inside the pitch. I can play as one of the strikers or as one of the No.10s. I can adapt and be part of the team.
Have you rediscovered your confidence this season?
Yes. Football is full of ups and downs but I feel like I’m in a good place.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here