Chris Sutton sends ‘pressure’ warning to new Rangers star Danilo on Sky Sports
Chris Sutton has warned Danilo that any striker who signs for Rangers or Celtic faces “pressure” to deliver.
The Brazilian forward, 24, was signed from Feyenoord in a deal worth up to £6million (Sky Sports) on 28 July after a lengthy pursuit.
Michael Beale opted to name Danilo on the bench for Rangers’ Scottish Premiership opener at Kilmarnock on Saturday (5 August), with fellow new boys Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers named among the starters.
And former Celtic striker Sutton, speaking as a pundit on Sky Sports (5 August, 17:07) said he will have to cope with the expectancy of playing for a Glasgow giant.
“There’s always pressure whether playing for Celtic or playing for Rangers,” he said.
“Kris (Boyd) has already touched on Alfredo Morelos last season was a massive disappointment, he let himself down, he let Rangers down.
“Rangers need someone to come in and score goals, that’s what they brought him in for, he was on the periphery of it at Feyenoord, he needs to get up to speed, he’ll want a fast start.”
Time to prove yourself
It would not be surprising, considering the source, if this were an attempt at some early season mind games from Chris Sutton, whose Old Firm affinity of course lies with Celtic.
But there is more than an element of truth to what he is saying. The Old Firm rivalry is among the most fierce in world football and you have to be able to shut out all the external noise to become a success at either club.
Danilo was hardly a regular starter at Feyenoord and he has a chance now at Rangers to be the leading man, an opportunity he will want to grasp with both hands this season.
Michael Beale also drafted in Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers during the close season as he looked to reinvigorate his attack ahead of what promises to be a compelling title tussle with Celtic.
There are a plethora of options available now but Danilo will want to make sure his name is among the first on the teamsheet week in, week out.
In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton had their first exchange on Sky Sports.