James Tavernier believes Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first Rangers transfer James Sands can have a ‘great’ squad role on loan from New York City FC, via quotes by the Glasgow Times.
The Ibrox natives struck a deal with NYCFC to acquire Sands in an initial 18-month loan deal earlier this month. His switch from Major League Soccer to the Premiership also includes an option for Rangers to buy Sands in 2023.
Sands moved to Scotland as Rangers’ first addition since appointing Van Bronckhorst back in November. But the rescheduled winter break meant the 21-year-old had to wait until the Gers faced Aberdeen on Tuesday to debut.
The New York native opened the Pittodrie meeting in central midfield, but will also offer an option in central defence. He featured 16 times as a centre-half, 10 in midfield and four at right-back as NYCFC won the 2021 MLS Cup.
Tavernier lauds Sands’ start at Rangers after Aberdeen debut
Tavernier believes Sands has settled into his new life with Rangers rapidly since finalising a transfer from New York City. The Gers captain also feels the seven-cap United States star performed strongly at Aberdeen on debut.
“He’s gelled in really quick to the squad,” Tavernier said. “First game, it’s obviously a big test to come up here, but I thought he handled himself really well. He’s a player that we can obviously use in the future. He’s a great squad player.
“He’s got to keep the levels high, especially while Joe [Aribo] is away at the minute. But that’s the quality that we’re bringing in. The only thing we’re disappointed with is not coming away from here with the three points.”
Sands did not set the world alight in his Rangers debut but as Tavernier suggests, he did not collapse either. He would have pleased Van Bronckhorst with his work protecting the Gers backline and use of the ball against Aberdeen.
Rarely did Sands appear out of place against the experienced Scott Brown and lively Lewis Ferguson. Van Bronckhorst will hope he now builds on a promising start while Aribo is away at the Africa Cup of Nations representing Nigeria.
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