Forgotten former Rangers loan signing James Sands has won a dream move to the Bundesliga after he was snapped up on loan by St Pauli.
And his new manager Alexander Blessin insisted he was impressed with the American during his time at Ibrox.
Sands joined Rangers on loan from New York City FC three years ago and although he made 24 appearances including a substitute appearance in the Europa League Final defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt, his 18-month loan deal was eventually terminated after just 14 months.
He found games increasingly difficult to get and his cause wasn't helped by a red card against Napoli in the Europa League in a 3-0 defeat. He scored one goal against Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup.
But he will now be playing in one of Europe's top leagues after the Hamburg club snapped him up on loan.
Read more:
-
Jack Butland to miss Rangers vs Celtic due to internal bleed
-
Morelos Rangers reunion confirmed as former manager recalls him
Sands said: "St Pauli is a club that football fans in New York know.
"I will still have to get to grips with the team's game plan. Those in charge showed me very convincingly what ambitions the club has and what role I can play in it.
"For me, the move to one of the strongest European leagues is a big challenge and one that I'm really looking forward to."
And manager Blessin credited his spell at Rangers.
He said: "With James we get a clever player who has a very good understanding of the game and, thanks to his clean technique, finds constructive solutions under pressure.
"His ability to anticipate also helps him in defence, so that he can often intercept balls or put the opponent under pressure early on.
"I saw him demonstrate these qualities both in the USA and during his time in Scotland."
