Rangers midfielder John Lundstram has opened up on his early appearances for the Light Blues following his move from Sheffield United and admits he’s still adapting to how Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard wants him to play.
Lundstram has come in for criticism for his early displays and explained how he’s still learning exactly what is expected from him at Ibrox.
The Rangers new boy is hoping he can kick on as he gets used to the Gers’ style of play and admits it isn’t as easy as everyone thinks to come into a new team.
“Everyone just thinks you’re coming in and it’s easy and you’re playing central midfield and it’s plain sailing,” said Lundstram.
“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.”
Lundstram admits the Gers’ early elimination from the Champions League was a disappointment but he’s determined to make an impression.
The midfielder admits European football was a big part of why he chose to head to Ibrox over the summer, insisting it is up to the players to ensure that Rangers take their place in the group stage of the Europa League.
“Especially me coming in for my first European competition. I’ve got massive desire to try and put the club where it should be,” the Scouser added.
“We’re all disappointed that it wasn’t to be against Malmo, but we are where we are now, and we’ve got to step up to the plate.
“Of course [Europe was a big factor in my move]. I’ve got ambitions like any player, and one of them is definitely to play in Europe.
“Every player’s dream is to play in the Champions League but nevertheless we are in the Europa League now, a massive, massive European competition. It’s on the European big stage so that’s definitely one of them.
“It’s a massive European stage again. They’re coming to Ibrox, they’re going to be up for it massively.
“Everyone coming to Ibrox knows how big a club it is and how big a stadium it is to play at.
“It’s a lot of people’s cup final coming to us. So it’s one we’ve got to step up to and I’m sure we will.
“You can’t shy away from the fact that Rangers should be playing in Europe. So it’s all on our shoulders to do it.
“You can’t shy away from the fact that such a big club has to be on that European stage.”
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