Ronny Deila has warned James Sands he’s going to have to “suffer” first before he can experience Rangers satisfaction.
The former Celtic boss worked alongside the new Ibrox recruit last year with New York City and together they helped the Big Apple outfit claim their first MLS Cup triumph.
It was those performances which convinced Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst to take a punt on the versatile 21-year-old after securing Sands on an 18-month loan.
The US internationalist was thrown in for a debut against Aberdeen last month but put in a low-key display before also starting the following match against Livingston.
However, since then Sands has found himself dropping down van Bronckhorst’s list of midfield options as Joe Aribo and Ryan Jack returned, with John Lundstram now also back in form and favour.
Deila said on the Coaching Academy podcast: "Last year, the one role model I wanted every player at the club to look up to was James Sands.
"But it’s going to be tough for him in Scotland because he’s jumping to another level - maybe not football wise so much better, I don’t think so.
"But the pressure and the environment, moving away from New York and his family and into an environment where 50% of the city hates you and 50% loves you - and that’s only when you’re playing well!
"That’s a new experience for him and at the age of 21 that’s going to make him a better player. But you have to suffer sometimes in life to get what you want.
"But James knows how to act and to think during this period and he just has to get better. Then he will break into the team.
"So we will see - but I’m still a Celtic fan, I can tell you that!"
