Bullish former Rangers midfielder James Sands has claimed Major League Soccer offers more challenges than the Scottish Premiership.
The 22-year-old penned an 18-month loan deal with the Light Blues in January 2022 while Gio van Bronckhorst was in charge at Ibrox, but made little impact during his time at Ibrox and failed to hold down a regular starting spot at the club. After making a handful of appearances off the bench under Michael Beale, the versatile midfielder saw his loan cut short with Rangers unwilling to pick up an £4million option to buy and planning for a massive summer rebuild.
Despite his ill-fated spell in Scottish football, Sands has improved his form after returning Stateside and has been a standout in the Eastern Conference – leading to a recall to the US international side for the friendly clash with Mexico. But after finding his feet in the MLS, he has taken a pot shot at the Scottish football – declaring he receives more of a challenge playing against New York City's rivals.
