Pedro Caixinha defends Glasgow Rangers midfielder Carlos Pena

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Carlos Pena made his first start for Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers last weekend.

Pedro Caixinha has told the Scottish Sun that he no longer has any problems with Glasgow Rangers midfielder Carlos Pena’s fitness levels.

When Pena arrived at Rangers, Caixinha admitted that the Mexican needed to work to catch up with the rest of the squad.

The midfielder was put on a fitness programme to try and get him up to speed, but the 27-year-old still does not appear to be at the top of his game.

Pena made his first start for league Rangers in their match against Celtic last weekend, but was not able to make much of an impact on the fixture.

However, Caixinha has denied rumours that he is still not happy about Pena’s lack of fitness.

“I didn’t say that after the game,” the Light Blues boss said. “When I was young, the boys used to call me elephant, because elephants have a great memory and I have a great memory.

“I know what I said, and when I said it.

“I said Pena needed to improve some time ago when we had the team picture at Ibrox. I never said it last weekend.

“We know the type of player we have and the work that needs doing.

“It has nothing to do with fitness. When we do high intensity runs Carlos is always in the top three.”

Pena’s arrival at Rangers during the summer transfer window created great excitement, but the energetic midfielder is yet to show his top form at Ibrox.

Whether Pena will be selected from the start tomorrow remains to be seen, as Rangers prepare to take on Hamilton.

If the Light Blues are able to win at the SuperSeal Stadium they could move up into third position in the Scottish Premiership table.