Only a few weeks ago John Lundstram was tasked with treading a familiar Rangers path and in a short period he might’ve set a record for completing it.
Some Rangers fans do have a penchant for writing off players before they’ve ever really got the chance to settle but at Ibrox standards are relentless and the crowd will let you know if they haven’t been met.
The likes of Borna Barisic and even Fernando Ricksen – players who in differing eras were written off but bounced back – are all too familiar with this.
Lundstram – signed in the summer on a free transfer from Sheffield United after two years in the Premier League – was the latest name to fall foul of frustrated fans.
However, in recent matches the midfielder has bounced back and has been a stand-out performer for the Ibrox side.
Handed the Man of the Match award for his performance against Hibs, Lundstram was an energetic presence in the middle of the pitch but also a capable and positive passer.
The midfielder controlled things in the middle of the park and wrapped passes into the feet of the likes Ianis Hagi and Joe Aribo all game.
It was a commanding performance and signified the rapid turnaround from Lundstram ever since he hit Rangers rock bottom with a red card against Alashkert at Ibrox in August.
Speaking to RangersTV after the 2-1 victory over the Hibees, the midfielder praised the spirit of the side.
“I’m happy – really happy. It was a massive result for us,” said Lundstram.
“I think we’ve been a little bit flat of late so to get a big performance and a big result was a good one.
“There is a huge spirit with everyone at the club and it’s needed with the fans. This is a must win football club.
“You need to win every week and that’s what we’re trying to do and we showed that today.
“The fans could see the first half we were trying and it was a goal on the break, against the run of play. We were getting in at times but not finding the final pass.
“To repay the fans in the second half with two goals was lovely.
“I wish there was a game next week, to be honest. It was tough today but we’d go straight in to next week.
“We’ve got two weeks rest now, we’ll recharge the batteries and then go again.
“Everyone realised what a big result it was. It was a top of the table clash and it put us back on top – where the football club should be.”
As Rangers head into the rest of the season, we get the feeling Lundstram is going to be an increasingly influential player for the club.
Meanwhile, a member of the Rangers backroom staff has shut down a supporter for his negative interpretation of the club’s recent performances.