Defender eyeing up European competition ahead of a holiday
25-year-old defender Lee Hodson is hopeful of being part of Rangers’ return to Europe and will work hard during the summer to get a place in the side. The club’s season could start as early as July following the qualification for the Europa League next year and the players will have to cut short any planned breaks. It is yet to be seen if the squad are up for extra fixtures that a European schedule comes with and the lack of rest could impact on their challenge to improve on this season’s league finish. Hodson said, ”You make sacrifices as a footballer but it’s about the memories you make when you play for a big club like Rangers.” ”You’ll sacrifice things like holidays to play in Europe.”
McKay made to wait on a new deal
Pedro Caixinha has informed Barrie McKay that he must be patient when waiting for a new deal to come from the club. The 22-year-old winger has just one year remaining on his current contract after turning down a renewal in February. Since then, there has been no more contact from the club about a new deal and the manager has limited McKay’s minutes somewhat since taking over. He said recently “Barrie needs to wait. If he is waiting then he needs to wait more for the club to come back to him. Barrie is a great guy and a fantastic footballer but we are assessing him and we will give him an answer as soon as possible.” McKay has been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest to join up with former manager Mark Warburton, but when questioned if he will be looking to sell this summer Caixinha replied “No” but wants to see a certain level of commitment from all players at the club.
Second place is the minimum next season – Mark Walters
Former Ranger winger Mark Walters has said that the club must aspire to be at the minimum second next season. This season has been disappointing, but with a lot of changes happening it can be excused. However, there will be no excuses next season given that Caixinha will have a full summer with the players and room to grow the squad. Walters said ”I watch them all the time. They haven’t done as well as I would have liked. I was hoping for second this year but they will have to settle for third.” He went to be more positive for the future saying ”Finishing third is disappointing but with a few new faces they should get second easily enough and then they can challenge for top spot.”