He’s been at the club for a year now.
But Rabbi Matondo has yet to really make an impact at Ibrox. The Wales international has 29 appearances to his name in a Rangers jersey. He’s failed to score but has six assists in those games.
Today will present an opportunity for him to show Michael Beale why he should be more involved in the first team at the club. He was left out of Rangers’ squad for the upcoming Champions League play-off against PSV. But Morton are the visitors this lunchtime as the teams contest a League Cup last-16 tie.
To be fair to Matondo, injuries have kept him out of action for much of his time in Glasgow. He’s looking to make up for lost time now and build on his last outing versus Livingston.
“We would have liked to have started the season better in our first league game,” the 22-year-old said. “We’ve picked it up since then but it’s still the start of the season and we are adjusting to things. There are many new players and we are moving in the right direction.
“The manager has brought a lot of players in and that’s what happens at clubs at Rangers. We’ve got lots of talent and competition but that’s what you have at big clubs. For me, it’s just about knowing what I can bring to the team and showing what I can do when I get that opportunity.
“No footballer will sit and tell you that they don’t want to play football. Everyone wants to play football but sometimes you have to wait for your opportunity and graft away. It’s down to me to be fit and to do everything in my power to convince the manager that I should be playing.
“I wouldn’t say it’s an easy thing to bide my time. You need to win every game at Rangers and that’s what we demand from each other. The fans demand that and that’s what we have to do at a club of this size. The manager has to go with what he thinks is the best team and I just have to continue grafting I have. I know my qualities but I’ve got to stay humble enough to take my opportunities.
“The manager has been honest and open. We have a good relationship and it’s down to me to take my opportunities. The more opportunities that I take, the more game time I’ll get.”
