Rangers news: Pundit cites Eric Dier in ‘massive’ Ibrox player ‘turnaround’
Noel Whelan has insisted John Lundstram’s “turnaround” in form has been “massive” for Rangers in recent weeks.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, heralded the 28-year-old’s change of fortunes under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
The summer signing has been a standout performer for the Light Blues after returning to the starting XI at the start of the month.
Whelan suggested the midfielder has benefitted from the “new manager effect”.
He insisted Lundstram will continue to be a nailed-on starter at Ibrox if he keeps up his form.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It’s that effect a new manager has. Just like Dier at Tottenham, it’s very similar to Lundstram with Van Bronckhorst at Rangers.
“Sometimes a bit of trust, an arm around the shoulder and a bit of demand from somebody to bring out the best in the player works.
“That’s proven now with Lundstram. He’s not been featuring for Rangers as a consistent starter.
“But right now, he has shown that fight and that belief in his performances and in himself. He’s not just accepting sitting on the bench.
“This is what we call that healthy competition. No one’s position is grounded and safe no matter how well you’ve done in the past or how big your name is.
“You can be overtaken by someone else that is showing a better attitude and fighting for that position. It has been a great turnaround. We know we did at Sheffield United.
“We know he’s not hit the heights of what’s been expected of him when he went to Rangers, until now. Rangers are actually seeing the player that they bought in from Sheffield United producing for them in that similar form.
“As long as that continues, Lundstram will be a danger for any opposition and a massive plus for Rangers. He’s a fantastic player, he’s very strong getting forward.
“A very powerful player in that midfield area as well. If he stays at that level, he’ll be hard to turf out of that position.”
Lundstram has started six games in 11 appearances under Van Bronckhorst this season.
He has played a total of 29 times for Rangers since his summer move.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has told Rangers fans to expect “sales” as Ibrox plan revealed.