Former Rangers winger Chris Burke has admitted he lacked professionalism during his time at Ibrox [Scottish Sun].
The now 37-year-old played for the Gers between 2002 and 2009, after spending time in the club’s Academy setup.
He won a league title and the League Cup and also made his international debut for Scotland during his time at the club.
However, the veteran says he wasn’t dedicated enough to really shine for the Light Blues and only changed his habits after joining Cardiff City.
“I think I’d have been more of a Rangers first-team starter if I’d made sacrifices and looked after myself properly, but I wasn’t willing to do that,” he said [Scottish Sun] “I didn’t prepare for matches or training, properly. I didn’t look after my body with the right food, the right sleep.”
“I was more interested in hanging about with my mates than making sure that I performed to my max. I was fortunate enough to get a flat at 18 and live on my own, but I’d play the computer with mates until midnight or 1am. They’d stay over.
“Before you know it, I’m not asleep until 3am, I’ve got training next day. It’s a spiral effect. The manager thinks I’m tired or I might pick up an injury. Or a player with the same talent, but who’s more professional, plays better. Eventually, that caught up with me.”
This is a very honest assessment from Burke, a player who is now known for his professionalism and commitment.
He made 43 appearances for Kilmarnock last season, scoring nine goals and notching nine assists, and those sorts of numbers, at his age, don’t come without putting a lot into recovery and nutrition.
The winger may not have been as important a player at Ibrox as he has been elsewhere, but sometimes young players make mistakes and as he approaches two decades in professional football, it’s abundantly clear that he’s learned from his.
Meanwhile, fans have lauded another former Rangers player for a Gers-related tweet.
