It has been a source of frustration among some Rangers supporters.
The temptation, when signing a new player, is to throw him straight in at the deep end and expect an immediate impact.
Manager Philippe Clement, however, is taking the ‘patience is a virtue’ approach, all the while ignoring pleas from sections of the fanbase disappointed about the lack of starts afforded to those summer arrivals.
Vaclav Cerny and Robin Propper, former FC Twente team-mates, only made their first appearances in Clement’s XI during Saturday’s 2-1 triumph over Motherwell at Hampden Park.
Hamza Igamane and Clinton Nsiala are yet to force their way in.
Jefte, meanwhile, was left on the bench against Motherwell despite his starring role off the bench in the 1-1 Champions League qualifying draw with Dynamo Kiev a few days earlier.
Vaclav Cerny and Robin Proppr impress on full Rangers debuts
Rangers shot-stopper Jack Butland, however, feels that Clement’s approach is the right one.
He knows how difficult it can be to adapt to life at a new club. And one suspects it must be even more daunting for those getting used to a new country, a new league, a new culture, and a new language.
“I’ve moved in transfer windows and you need time yourself to adjust,” the former Manchester United and Leeds goalkeeper says via Rangers’ official YouTube channel. “I’ve been through that, (even if) I’ve not moved country like some other players who have had to move across the world.
“I think the club is doing a really good job of helping those guys settle in, being in a different place with a different manager.
“It can take time but we all know what playing for Rangers is all about, you’ve got to perform and be ready to go. Some have really hit the ground running and others will feature more as we go on.”
Rangers’ last two outings, however, have raised the excitement around one new face in particular.
Cerny set up Cyriel Dessers’ 94th minute equaliser in Poland before opening his account versus Motherwell.
Jack Butland impressed by Ibrox newbies
Drifting infield and picking up the ball in a pocket of space, the silky Czech Republic international replicated a goal he scored so many times in the Netherlands as he whipped a pinpoint shot into the back of the net with his trusty left boot.
At the other end of the pitch, Propper made his mark too.
Bouncing back from an unfortunate own goal with just 17 minutes on the clock, the former Twente skipper showcased the composure and the passing range that has drawn comparisons with two of Dutch football’s biggest names.
“I think it’s always important that summer transfers have to make an impact,” adds Butland, who denied Motherwell a point with a ‘world-class’ second-half save. “(They must) come in and be the right character, which we’ve certainly seen so far.
“Some have already made really important contributions and hopefully we continue to see that. As players, we have been really pleased with how they have settled in but we all know it is about performing.
“Vaclav turned up with a brilliant goal at the weekend. Robin looks solid and offers us something different.”
