View: James Sands could struggle with Aaron Ramsey in the fold at Rangers
Rangers midfielder James Sands could be hindered by the introduction of Aaron Ramsey at Ibrox.
The defensive midfielder joined the Bears in January from New York City on a loan deal keeping him in Scotland until 2023.
The 21-year-old made two appearances for the Gers upon his arrival but is yet to feature in the team again since.
Both January additions will be fighting for a spot in the Rangers midfield with the duo playing at the same time very unlikely.
Silver lining?
Whatever game time that was planned out for the American is likely to have been cut considerably with the introduction of Juventus star, Ramsey.
Sands faced an uphill battle getting into the Rangers team anyway but the arrival of the Welsh International has made it even harder.
The length of Sands’ loan deal will be a huge boost for the American. If he was leaving at the end of the season, he would have virtually no chance to prove himself as a player.
His deal ending at the end of next season allows him to use this season to learn as much as possible, adjust to life in Scotland and attack the next campaign with full force.
It was either brilliant planning or complete luck from the Gers, but the pair’s loan deals complement each other quite nicely.
Ramsey is set to stay with the Bears until the end of the season, unless a permanent move is arranged.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst will want to squeeze everything humanly possible out of the experienced 31-year-old as the Bears look to secure back-to-back league titles.
Once Ramsey departs, which is likely with Rangers unable to afford his lucrative wages, a place for Sands will be ready – if he is ready to take it.
In other Bears news, Ex-Rangers player Boyd clears up backlash after Old Firm comments.