Former Rangers defender Aidan Wilson is looking to ‘chase European football and silverware’ after joining Crusaders, as quoted by Belfast Live.
The 21-year-old made two Premiership appearances as a teenager for the Gers under Pedro Caixinha and impressed at centre-back.
However, serious injury problems followed and after loan spells at Dumbarton, Forfar Athletic and Edinburgh City, he was released by the club earlier this summer.
Wilson faced uncertainty across several months as a free agent before completing his surprising move to NIFL Premiership club Crusaders on Friday.
Ahead of the start of the 2020/21 campaign in October, he’s targeting plenty of success.
“The opportunity to come and play in a top division, chase European football and silverware and work under a good manager were big incentives,” he said, as quoted by Belfast Live.
“I’m grateful for what Rangers did for me over 14 years, but you reach an age where you need to go and play regular football.
“Hopefully I can bring those experiences and my 14 years at Rangers to Crusaders and it helps me do really well in Northern Ireland.”
Former Rangers defender Aidan Wilson aiming big at Crusaders – Verdict
It’s relatively rare for a player to leave Scotland and head across the Irish Sea, but this looks to be an excellent move for Wilson.
Crusaders are one of Northern Ireland’s top clubs, winning the Premiership title in three of the past five campaigns under Stephen Baxter.
They finished in third spot last season, though, and following the departure of club legend Colin Coates to Glenavon back in January, there could be a spot in the starting XI for the former Ger.
The two-year deal offers security for Wilson and with the Crues facing the likes of FC Copenhagen and Ludogorets in qualifiers for UEFA competitions in recent seasons, he may experience the odd glamour tie along the way too.
