When it comes to Eros Grezda at Rangers, one of the key words that comes to mind is mystery.
Ever since signing, the Albanian has had a mysterious set of injury and fitness problems since arriving. He’s been one of Steven Gerrard’s slow burners this season as he looks to make an impression.
Now, he’s finally rid of his injury concerns and is ready to make things happen at Ibrox. He had such a golden chance to do just that at St Mirren on Saturday. The winger made his first start but was taken off nearly midway through the second half for Daniel Candeia, who went on to score a crucial goal.
There wasn’t too much to get excited about. The winger, however, has said post-match that there’s plenty more to come from him, as he promised supporters that he’ll get better.
“It was OK (his debut) but I’m still not there because it was my first game in the starting XI. I’m quite happy but it’s going to get better and better.
“Was I frustrated at being left on the bench for so long? No, because I was concentrated only on training and putting in hard work. I was waiting for my chance. Now I look fitter than I was. Everybody knows I didn’t play for a long time because of injury.
“Now I feel better. I really feel I’m coming back, and I feel I still need more games. But I’m almost there. I thought the ball was going in when I had my shot before coming off. A little bit of luck was needed but at the end it was not important as the other guys scored, so I’m happy.”
Plenty of time
The one thing Grezda does have is plenty of time to impress. The winger has had a lot of money invested into him by Rangers, and the club will want to see a return on it.
One of the biggest elements that had Rangers excited about Grezda was his reputation. If it wasn’t journalists from Albania claiming he could be worth £20million, then it was his national coach calling him a star. He really is supposed to have it all, but didn’t show that on Saturday.
Daniel Candeias’ ridiculous red card in Paisley will see him suspended for the visit of Motherwell. As his second booking wasn’t an act of simulation or mistaken identity, Rangers have no grounds for appeal. Therefore, Grezda will get a quick opportunity to impress once more.
What has to be remembered is Grezda’s time at Rangers so far. It’s been set-back after set-back with plenty of recuperation time. He still needs to build-up his own match fitness. There is only so much reserve matches will do for him, and he deserves regular competitive game-time.
He clearly wasn’t overly satisfied with his performance at St Mirren. The fans weren’t either. But there remains plenty of time for him to get up to speed.
Motherwell will be his next opportunity. He could certainly do with taking it.
