MX23RW : Wednesday, December 25 12:04:03| >> :120:14666:14666:

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard lauds "absolute role model" Fashion Sakala

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard lauds
© Reuters
The 24-year-old scored in his side's 2-1 pre-season friendly win over Real Madrid.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard hailed the attitude of summer signing Fashion Sakala after the Zambian forward netted in a 2-1 friendly victory over Real Madrid.

Sakala has made an instant impact at Ibrox after arriving from Belgian side Oostende via a spell in quarantine.

The 24-year-old fired home a powerful effort to equalise against Real before Cedric Itten struck a late winner.

On Sakala, Gerrard told Rangers TV: "There's still loads to come in terms of fitness, in terms of getting him up to speed, in terms of the information we are giving him.

"But one thing I will say is that he's come in with an incredible attitude.

"He's been an absolute role model to everyone where he's come from in terms of his country.

"He's come here with energy, he's been bright, wanting to learn and pick up every bit of information. He's smiling, he's enjoying it and he's grateful to be here.

"He's been an absolute pleasure to work with in the opening week/10 days but there's loads more to come.

"You can see he's exciting. We still need to help him and polish the diamond but hopefully he will go on to be the player we all expect."

Itten is looking to build on a debut season which saw him score six goals but only make nine starts out of his 37 appearances.

The 24-year-old Swiss forward could now get a chance to shine when Rangers host Livingston in their cinch Premiership opener with Alfredo Morelos enjoying some extra time off.

Gerrard said: "He has probably been the stand-out attacking player over the course of pre-season. He has been available for the most minutes, he hasn't missed a training session.

"He seems more settled in the city now that himself and his girlfriend can get about and socialise a bit more.

"You can see that in his training and performances. He has scored three goals and he certainly looks ready."

ID:456915: cacheID:456915:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3422:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Rangers' Nikola Katic pictured on December 29, 2019
Read Next:
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard urges patience over Nikola Katic
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1614204444044
2RangersRangers1611232891935
3Aberdeen17104331211034
4Motherwell178272327-426
5Dundee UnitedDundee Utd176742519625
6St Mirren187382429-524
7Dundee175482730-319
8Hibernian184682430-618
9Kilmarnock184681935-1618
10Hearts1844102027-716
11Ross County183691435-2115
12St Johnstone1842122134-1314


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!