£2.7m Rangers player reveals extra motivation after torrid first half of season
Rangers midfielder Carlos Pena has revealed his extra motivation to represent Mexico in next summer’s World Cup in Russia after being part of the squad at the 2014 finals in Brazil.
The Ibrox ace has won 19 caps for his country but hasn’t been involved with El Tri since September 2016 and hopes to impress manager Juan Carlos Osorio over the coming months and book his place in his 23-man squad.
Pena has struggled to get into the Rangers team in recent weeks after a series of disappointing displays although the Mexican does have an impressive record of five goals in 12 appearances for the Light Blues.
“I have definitely not thrown in the towel with the Mexico team,” Pena told MARCA, as translated by the Scottish Sun.
“It’s the decision of the manager, Juan Carlos Osorio – he has the last word.
“The only way I can get to Russia is my playing well for my team and scoring goals.
“I last played in September last year and of course every player dreams of playing a World Cup.
“That’s my aim.”
The 27-year-old joined Rangers in the summer from Chivas Guadalajara for £2.7million but has failed to live up to his fee yet by being torrid in the first half of the campaign.
Alongside compatriot Eduardo Herrera, Pena looks to have struggled with the cold Scottish winter in his first move outside his homeland.
Pena could find himself in the Gers starting XI against Motherwell on Wednesday night with Josh Windass suspended after picking up a silly booking against Hibs recently.
The Mexican made one appearance at the 2014 World Cup, coming on as a substitute in the 3-1 win over former Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic’s Croatia in the group stage.
In other Rangers news, three Gers players could play their final games for the club against Celtic this week.
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