Midfielder John Lundstram believes he’s got the steel to withstand the backlash to Rangers’ Hampden no-show.
The Ibrox inquest into last week’s Viaplay Cup final loss to bitter rivals Celtic shows no sign of relenting. Furious fans remain bitterly upset over their team’s failure to show up at the national stadium, with Lundstram among those getting it in the neck after Gers missed a golden opportunity to halt what’s looking like another relentless march towards a domestic clean sweep for the Hoops. The Scouse midfield ace knows the Old Firm battleground is no place for the weak willed but Lundstram is adamant he will survive after another testing week.
Asked if experiences like last Sunday’s have made him mentally tougher, the 29-year-old said: “Yeah, you could say that. But I have always been a mentally strong player anyway. I have been through a lot in my career, had a lot of ups and downs. That is the same for every player. But of course at a place like Rangers you have got to be mentally tough because only the strong survive. Hopefully I am one of them.”
Lundstram is not among the eight Ibrox first-teamers whose deals expire this summer - but he admits he’s got as much to prove as anyone as they await news on who Beale wants to work with next term.
He said: “I've not even thought about my contract situation. I have still got 18 months left on it. Nothing at all, but you’re always playing for your future in football.
"You are playing for your next game. If you don’t play well you won’t be playing next week. That is football and I have learned that throughout my career.
"You are always, always playing for your career and your reputation. I think if you do play like that then it will stand you in good stead.”
