They say that there’s nothing quite like playing for Rangers when you’re winning but – as John Lundstram has found out recently – things can go sour fast when you aren’t.
Despite just joining from Sheffield United in the summer, this Premier League-level midfielder has, like so many before him, found adapting to life at Ibrox isn’t always easy.
As the Gers suffered amongst their worst weeks in recent seasons, Lundstram drew the ire of supporters frustrated with him losing his man in defeats to Malmo and Dundee United.
It’s objectively harsh; Lundstram is a new signing and will need time to bed in but Rangers fans twisting the screw on the new guy is something of an initiation process at Ibrox.
If Lundstram can survive those early interrogations on Twitter and in the press box, then he’ll stand a damn good chance of making it at Ibrox.
The likeable midfielder took the club’s latest press conference as he prepared to front up some of the criticism which has come his way.
But the midfielder was delighted to be probed on his evolving role at Ibrox with life on the pitch at possession dominant Rangers somewhat different from the counter-attacking Blades.
“Everyone just thinks you’re coming in and it’s easy and you’re playing central midfield and it’s plain sailing,” said Lundstram [Rangers].
“But it’s tough, the manager is asking me to play a different role from the one that I’m used to.
“At Sheffield United I was always asked to stay away from the ball, stay higher up the pitch, let the two centre halves step in.
“Whereas now the gaffer likes me to drop in and get on the ball a little bit deeper so I’m still learning the position as games go on, I pick it up a little bit more.
“But I’m enjoying it, enjoying having more of the ball and hopefully I take it in my stride.”
The midfielder clearly views this as a big step in his development and as part of this Lundstram claims he wants to “contribute”.
John, 27, claims he wants to be “effective” with goals and assists and talked up his own personal targets for the season ahead.
If the midfielder can find his feet and continue to find the back of the net – as he did in the 5-0 cup rout over Dunfermline – then we’ve no doubt these are attainable for the ex-England youth international.
Speaking about summer signings, read more about the former Manchester United starlet already making waves at Rangers.
